Wine Advisor
Certan de May 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2018 Certan de May is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sporting a medium to deep garnet-purple color, it features notes of black cherry compote, black raspberries and plum preserves, plus suggestions of underbrush, Sichuan pepper, dried Provence herbs and cedar chest. The elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate is filled with expressive black berry and earthy layers, supported by grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2018 Certan de May is composed of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of red cherry compote, redcurrant jelly and black raspberries with nuances of potpourri, fallen leaves, tapenade and cinnamon toast plus a waft of cigar box. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a wonderfully plush texture and seamless freshness supporting the generous fruit, finishing long with a spicy kick.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Certan de May has come together nicely over the last nearly two years. Some of the more angular edges has soften. Today, what comes through is an attractive Pomerol laced with hints of red, purplish fruit, lavender and spice. There is good depth to the 2018 if not quite the complexity or nuance of the best wines in the appellation. Overall, Certan de May is fruity and rather one dimensional. Drink it over the next two decades, give or take.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Certan de May is a potent, brooding wine. Elevated ripeness and big tannins are two of the signatures in this decidedly ample, potent Pomerol. It will be interesting to see where élevage takes the 2018. Today, my impression is that Certan de May is one of the more pushed Pomerols of the vintage. Time will tell.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2018 Certan de May disappoints on the nose. It just seems to lack the energy of other Pomerols, feeling a static in the glass, and displaying broody black fruit with light black pepper notes and an odd, almost onion-like scent. The palate is slightly better... but not much. Lacking cohesion and grip, it feels rather rustic and lacks the breeding of other vintages of Certain-de-May that I have tasted. Even leaving the bottle to open for several hours does it no favors, and yet again, I am left scratching my head.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2018 Certan de May continues a series of recent vintages that have left me perplexed. The nose does not meld together like others, feels a little rustic with ferrous red berry fruit that sing from a different hymn sheet to the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins. This feels introverted and a bit dour compared to its peers, with a lightly spiced, tobacco tinged finish. Where has the great Certan de May wines of the past gone?
Reviewed by: James Suckling
The finesse and density to this young Pomerol is certainly impressive with gorgeous plum and floral character, full body and a very long and caressing finish.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Very classic style of Pomerol with black olives, blackberries and spices on the nose that follow through to a full body with layers of ultra fine tannins and a long, long finish. What a beautifully crafted red. Try after 2025.
About the Producer
Château Certan de May (or to use its full name, Château Certan de May de Certan) is a critically well-regarded wine estate in Pomerol on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, known for its highly sought-after Merlot-based red wine. The De May (or Demay) family were said to be of Scottish origin, but had lived in France since the Middle Ages, and in Pomerol since the late 1500s. The family became masters of the fief of Sertan, the oldest vineyard in the district. This area also covered the modern vineyards of Vieux Château Certan (which lies just over the road from the winery building) and Château Certan-Giraud (since renamed Château Hosanna), but was divided up after the French Revolution. Since the death of the last de May in 1925, the estate has been owned by the Barreau-Badar family and is currently managed by Jean-Luc Barreau. The vineyard covers five hectares (12 acres), with 70 percent planted to Merlot, 25 percent Cabernet Franc and 5 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, with 60-80 percent new oak. Around 2000 cases are produced each year.
