Appellations

Certan de May 2017

Pomerol

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Certan de May is bold and pungent in its first impression. Racy floral and savory notes from the Cabernet Franc are front and center. Certan de May doesn't quite have the early appeal of many wines in the Moueix stable, and the tannins need time to soften, but there is a sense of energy and tension to the 2017 that is compelling. Tasted two times.

Score: 90 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Certan de May continues a run of wines that have left me scratching my head because experience of older vintages prove the heights it can achieve. Yet, recent vintages have fallen short of expectations. This feels a little green, especially when compared to the Latour-à-Pomerol and Hosanna on either side of my tasting at J-P Moueix. The palate is thankfully better with fine tannin, a keen line of acidity, tertiary in style with a touch of charcoal and tar towards the finish. If the aromatics had a little more, for want of a better word, “oomph”, then I might be more generous in my evaluation. Hopefully it will meliorate in barrel. Let’s see.

Score: 89 - 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2032 Date: 01 May 2018

A final blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Certan de May is scented of bay leaves, crushed blackcurrants and blackberries with black pepper and tilled earth nuances. The medium to full-bodied mouth is firm and chewy with tightly knit fruit and an herb-laced finish.

Score: 89 - 91 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2018

Deep smudgy crimson. Gorgeous dusty graphite nose and pure cassis fruit. Smells refined even before you taste it. But then unexpected oak sweetness on the palate, tannins are sufficient but moderate. Dies a little on the finish, so that the oak dominates for now. The palate was a bit disappointing after the promising aromas.

Score: 16 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2023-2030 Date: 25 April 2018

Black cherries, leafy herbs, underbrush, and some smoky notes all emerge from the 2017 Château Certan de May. A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from clay and deep gravelly soils, it's another juicy, lively, pretty Pomerol that shines for its purity and elegance.

Score: 90 - 92 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

Plump and open, featuring fun raspberry and blood orange flavors, rooibos tea notes and a rounded feel through the finish. Perfumy, with a sandalwood echo.

Score: 90 - 93 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

This is very serious for the vintage with a full body, very polished tannins and a long finish. Well done.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 03 April 2018

The two Cabernets make their presence felt right from the off, with some clear floral notes. This is an attractive Certan de May, not quite the joyful delivery of the last few years, but controlled, restrained and complex. It has lovely complexity, and the power is delivered with a light touch, with a slatey texture accompanied by rich black cherry and sweet gooseberry fool notes. A very attractive wine that manages to make the most of these slightly underripe fruit notes by adding juice and layers.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024-2036 Date: 01 April 2018