A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new barrels, the 2017 La Gravette De Certan is a smoking second wine from unquestionably one of the top estates in Pomerol. Loaded with notions of dark, chocolatey fruits, leafy herbs, and violets, it has more richness and depth on the palate than most estates’ top wine. Medium to full-bodied and textured, with sweet tannins, it's well worth seeking out and will evolve for two decades.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Gravette de Certan leaps from the glass with exuberant scents of blueberry preserves, blackberry compote and black cherries with hints of violets, menthol, chocolate box and aniseed. Medium-bodied, the palate has a generous amount of expressive blue and black fruit flavors, framed by ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant.- LPB

The 2017 La Gravette de Certan, made from the estate's young vines (under 25 years of age) is soft, open-knit and inviting. In this vintage, the Gravette is especially floral and perfumed, which gives it tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. Rose petal, sweet red berries, licorice and mint are all laced into the very pretty, nuanced finish. I would prefer to drink the 2017 over the next decade or so. -- Antonio Galloni

The second wine of Vieux Château Certan, this is produced from young vines. Still with plenty of tannins, it has structure although the fruit is already beginning to shine through. It offers spice and good acidity, and is likely to be ready from 2022. ROGER VOSS