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.
Reviews:
- Decanter: Excellent quality, here the pull through the palate is slow, with bigger tannins than in some of the Pomerols this year, with the Cabernet Sauvignon making an impact in terms of dark yet savoury berry character but also weight and structure. Excellent wine, seriously good quality, give it at least six years before this softens out. 30% new oak.
- James Suckling: 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.
Producer Information
The origins of Chateau Certan de May date back to the very beginnings of Pomerol. The de May family, who settled in France from Scotland in the Middle Ages, were gifted the property by royal decree in the 16th century as a gesture of thanks for ser- vices rendered to the crown of France. The estate began producing wine in the 18th century and was managed by descendants of the de May de Certans until 1925, when it passed to the Barreau family. Situated on Pomerol’s prized central plateau, surrounded by illustrious neighbors such as Vieux Chateau Certan and La Fleur-Pétrus, Chateau Certan de May has long been considered one of the finest estates of the appellation. The wines owe their complexity to the vineyard’s soil composition, a combination of clay and gravel that bring together power and elegance, structure and freshness. The balance of the wines from Chateau Certan de May illustrates the unique complemen- tarity of these terroirs. Owner Jean-Luc Barreau applies all of his care and attention to producing a wine in the great tradition of his forebears. Vinified under the guidance of renowned consultants Michel Rolland until 2012 and Jean-Claude Berrouet since the 2013 vintage, Chateau Certan de May benefits from the best winemaking know-how. The wine is rich, powerful, complex; while it can be enjoyed after a few years of cellaring, its structure and natural depth lend it great ageability.
