2018 Certan De May
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Château Certan De May has come together beautifully since I tasted it from barrel. This blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied and has a rounded, fruit loaded texture, some background smoky oak, and a great finish. This pleasure- bent, ripe, sexy Pomerol is the finest vintage I've tasted to date. Drink bottles over the coming 15-20 years.
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.