Certan de May 2012

From proprietress Odette Barrau-Badar, this vineyard, which is fabulously located just adjacent to Vieux Château Certan, Petrus and La Fleur Petrus, has produced a 2012 with a dark plum/purple color. There is often considerable Cabernet Franc in this blend, and I think that comes through in this wine with its notes of forest floor, earth and spice. It is fragrant, medium to full-bodied, rich and savory. This is another meaty, concentrated, very successful 2012 Pomerol It should drink well for 20 or more years. Drink: 2015 - 2035

An attractive sample with lovely floral and berry character. Citrus acidity. Medium-to-full body. The wine builds on the palate with very polished tannins. Delicately fruity with pretty depth.

Vineyard opposite Vieux Château Certan. Greyish dark crimson. Lightly spiced dark fruit, savoury on the nose then sweeter on the palate. Very smooth almost chalky tannins and a hint of stony flavour. Lightish and soft in the middle. Almost too gentle. Too many edges taken off? Too polished? (JH)

Round and easygoing with sweet tannin and early accessibility, the precociously formed 2012 Certan de May exhibits notes of bay leaves, black currants, black cherries and underbrush. Ripe and medium-bodied, it is made somewhat in the style of Latour a Pomerol, but slightly more herbaceous. I liked it for its depth, richness and early drinkability. Consume it over the next 10-12+ years.