| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This perfectly situated 5.5 hectare 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. However quality was rather hit and miss in the past. The good news is that legendary Pomerol winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet has been overseeing the winemaking since 2013. The vineyard is planted with 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A new second wine - Croix de Certan - is now being produced.
Tar and dried tobacco with black cherries and blackberries. Stones, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a flavorful finish. Really tightly wound. Try after 2026.
The 2019 Certan de May has turned out very well, offering up aromas of rich cherries, cassis, loamy soil and creamy but nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, layered and lively, with fine concentration, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish, this is beautifully balanced Pomerol that no doubt benefits from the perspective of consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet.Drink Date 2025 - 2050
The 2019 Certan de May is composed of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out with exuberant notes of stewed black plums, blackberry pie, and cracked black pepper with hints of licorice and tar. Medium to full-bodied, it has very ripe, finely grained tannins and beautiful tension supporting the vivacious black fruits, finishing with a peppery kick.
The 2019 Certan de May is a curious Pomerol. As I mentioned in my note from barrel, it has an open-knit nose of red berry fruit, touches of black tea, white pepper and damp earth. The palate is cohesive on the entry with light tannins, and a little more angular than its peers (especially juxtaposed against the Hosanna). It seems to be a little pinched and lacks the peacock’s tail that defines many 2019 Pomerols. It just leaves me wanting more. Drink 2024-2036.
An under the radar insiders' Pomerol that is subdued but clearly holding a lot back. Give it time and you find layers of earthy, focused and finessed blackcurrant and bilberry fruits. Balanced, well placed, gets increasingly creamy and succulent as it opens in the mouth, showing its complexity and promise. Harvest September 17 to October 4. An upscore from En Primeur.
This is a very attractive wine with blackberry, walnut and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Full body, firm tannins and a fruity finish. Yet, it’s reserved and pretty.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Certan de May rocks up with open-knit scents of warm black cherries, baked plums and blackberry pie with hints of charcoal, crushed rocks, iron ore and menthol plus a fragrant touch of sandalwood. Medium-bodied, the palate gives a pleasantly chewy texture and lovely freshness, supporting the subtle black fruit layers, finishing on a mineral note.
The 2019 Certan de May, which has been under the guidance of Jean-Claude Berrouet since 2013, was picked 17 to 23 September with respect to the Merlot. The Cabernets were picked between 1 to 4 October. It has a nose that I recognize from previous years, open-knit with bright red fruit, maybe just a little green around the edges. There is a background scent of stewed black tea. The palate is fresh on the entry with a grainy texture, fresh acidity, quite sharp in fact. A slightly pinched finish needs to develop more flesh to round it out. Tasted twice with consistent notes
