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)

This perfectly situated property lies directly opposite Vieux Chateau Certan and close to L'Evangile, La Conseillante, Petrus and Le Pin. There is no doubt that when they get it right here they are capable of producing Pomerol of the highest quality. This 2012 is ripe, round and plummy with rich cherry fruit, a hint of vanilla pod and toasted brioche. Sweet, forward, fleshy and unforced. Charming, creamy and plump. Very attractive Pomerol.

The mix of bramble and cassis gives freshness on the nose and a bright start to the palate. The mid palate has sweet fruit a good depth of flavour the sweetness rather overtaken by the firmness of the tannins towards the back. 2017-26