A CM with depth and finesse. Layers of fine tannins. Medium body. Blackberry and blueberry flavors. Juicy and fine finish.
May 2022

The 2021 Certan de May has also turned out nicely in bottle, bursting with attractive aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and fruitcake, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and dynamic palate with good depth of fruit, supple tannins and impressive length on the finish. As readers may remember, this Merlot-dominant blend incorporates fully 37% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a figure that reflects the vintage (which favored these varieties) as well as a tendency to replant with Cabernet rather than Merlot over the last decade.

The 2021 Certan de May shows promise, offering up aromas of sweet cherries and berries mingled with hints of violets, rose petals and nicely integrated new oak. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and fleshy, with lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins, I suspect it will flesh out with further élevage to become even more impressive. The blend incorporates fully 37% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a figure that reflects the vintage (which favored these varieties) as well as a tendency to replant with Cabernet rather than Merlot over the last decade.
William Kelley, April 2022

The 2021 Certan de May was picked from September 27 to October 11. There is a touch of herbaceousness on the nose here, a leitmotif of recent vintages that has left me perplexed in warmer growing seasons, though it’s more understandable in this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and modest depth; no greenness here, but there is a welcome touch of pepper toward the finish. This is an improvement for a Pomerol that can hit the ball out of the park if so inclined.
Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2022

The 2021 Certan de May is powerful, burly and hard to read at this stage. I am not sure if the formidable tannins will ever soften, but we will see once the wine is bottled. For now, Certan de May is an enigma.

Serious and structured with plenty of firm but polished tannins. Floral nose, velvety texture and persistence on the finish. Well balanced. (JL)
Drink 2028 – 2040
Jancisrobinson.com, May 2022