Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)

Deep purple-ruby. Knockout nose of black cherry, minerals, coffee liqueur and violet offers uncommon depth and complexity. The flavors of blackberry, black plum and minerals are complicated by a note of iron and given wonderful clarity and cut by harmonious, vibrant acidity. Finishes very long and pure, with distinctive balsamic nuances. There's lots of sweet fleshy fruit here but the wine comes across as amazingly refined and graceful thanks to its vibrant acidity, which really extends the flavors at the back. The best young Certan of the last 12 or 15 years.

James Suckling (94-95)

Gorgeous aromas. Tar, dark fruits and forest leaves on the nose. Full body, with lovely velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of dark chocolate, dark fruits and cappuccino.

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2011 Certan-de-May has a well-defined and fresh bouquet, quintessentially Pomerol with a touch of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity, good backbone with black pepper and cedar towards the slightly dry but still appealing finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

Wine Enthusiast (93-95)

Barrel sample. This is a very firm and concentrated wine with dark and smoky character. The palate is elegant and fine, but densely structured with dark tannins that give extra complexity.

Wine Advocate (95+)

The 2015 Certan de May is composed of 80% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc, displaying a medium garnet-purple color and nose of warm red cherries, mulberries, crushed red and black plums and raspberry leaves with nuances of wild thyme, dried roses, cloves and eucalypt. Medium to full-bodied and boasting great harmony in the mouth, the palate delivers loads of red and black fruit layers interspersed with floral and herb accents and framed by a firm, ripe, fine-grained backbone, finishing with wonderful length and freshness.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2016 Certan de May is a powerful, dense wine, just as it was en primeur. A blast of grilled herbs, leather, smoke, tobacco, licorice and dark-fleshed fruits makes a strong opening statement. Potent and strap in feel, Certan de May shows the more virile side of Pomerol. The profile is decidedly sepia-toned. Readers should plan on being patient with the 2016. It is a jewel of a wine that just needs bottle age to be at its best.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2017 Certan de May is a powerful, dense wine. Graphite, smoke, grilled herbs and dark red and purplish fruit confer a real sense of gravitas that also comes through in the wine's unctuous fruit and overall richness. The 2017 packs a serious punch, that is for sure. Although not the last word in finesse, Certan de May offers plenty of richness and body. It is one of the bigger Pomerols of the year. I would give the 2017 a few years in bottle to allow the tannins to soften.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

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Wine Advocate (93-95)

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Decanter (94)

Ripe nose with some black truffle, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. On the palate this is juicy and succulent, a lighter fresher wine than the two before, cooling mint, minerality, bright strawberry and raspberry leaf. lifted still with concentration and pomerol power but also glossy with some confidence shining through. Nicely integrated tannins and long length.

Decanter (94)

Ripe nose with some black truffle, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. On the palate this is juicy and succulent, a lighter fresher wine than the two before, cooling mint, minerality, bright strawberry and raspberry leaf. lifted still with concentration and pomerol power but also glossy with some confidence shining through. Nicely integrated tannins and long length.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

Wine Advocate (92)

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.

As a discerning connoisseur, you'll appreciate the Chateau Certan de May Pomerol Croix de Certan 2019, a sublime Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This elite wine hails from the world-renowned Pomerol region of France's rustic vineyard landscape, crafted at the historic Chateau Certan de May, recognised globally for its mastery in winemaking.

The 2019 vintage champions balance, showcasing a ravishing tapestry of berry fruits interwoven with a depth of floral undertones and distinctive mineral richness, harmonised by its refined tannic structure. This intricate profile owes to the meticulous vinification processes, including selective handpicked harvests, traditional maceration techniques, and an extended ageing period in finely grained French oak barrels. Its boutique production adds to the exclusivity of this exemplary label.

The Chateau Certan de May Pomerol Croix de Certan 2019 exemplifies the epitome of French viticulture, destined to delight the most discerning palates and embellish any fine wine collection.

The Certan de May Croix de Certan 2020 is sourced from the esteemed Pomerol wine region, in the heart of Bordeaux, France. Exploiting the Merlot-dominated terroir on the Right Bank, this rare vintage showcases the renowned winemaking craftsmanship of the Certan de May estate, now held under the meticulous custodianship of Jean-Luc Barreau. The wine is matured in 70% new French oak barrels for around 20 months, reaching peak eloquence in its expression of dark fruits.

The significant proportion of Cabernet Franc lends floral bouquets and elegance to the inherent monolithic and opulent Merlot character. Its layered character offers hints of black cherry, plum, and graphite complemented by liquorice accents. Exhibiting velvet-like tannins and profound depth, the Certan de May Croix de Certan 2020 is a testament to refined winemaking. With cellaring potential, it promises to evolve with time, revealing complex dimensions for the discerning connoisseur. Sensational and complete, it's an exploration of excellence in a bottle.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)

Bright dark red. Exotic nose dominated by candied raspberry. Sweet and plump in the mouth, with red fruit and game flavors. A bit loose-knit owing to low acidity, but finishes with ripe tannins and good length. Ultimately less shapely and sophisticated than the 2001.

The CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012 is a distinguished vintage, hailing from the famed vineyards of Chiroubles in the Beaujolais region of France. Produced by iconic winemaker, CG Paris, this wine is a jewel of the vineyard's distinguished heritage. This exceptional wine opens with a bouquet of red berries accented with a distinct, mineral undertone - an ode to the granite-rich soil in which it was cultivated.

Matured in French oak casks for 12 months, the wine flaunts a structured, well-rounded body, with tantalising flavours of ripe red cherries and a hint of rustic earthiness, providing a delightful finis. This vintage's velvety tannin structure and vibrant acidity make it a perfect accompaniment to both red meat dishes and strong cheeses. Indulge in the allure of French viticulture with the perfection that is the CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012, a testament to centuries of winemaking expertise.

Distinguished in the illustrious Beaujolais region of France, the CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012 is an exquisite example of expert winemaking. With the age-old vines planted on steep, granitic slopes, this wine captures the essence of its hallowed terroir. The winemaking approach, under the leviathan of Charles Gaget, adheres strictly to the traditional Beaujolais method, with semi-carbonic maceration yielding an eloquent expression of the Gamay grape.

This vintage is a testament to its remarkable year, showcasing fruit-forward complexity harmonised with vibrant acidity. The nose swoons with scents of black cherry and violets while the lush palate intrigues with vibrant raspberry and earthy undertones. A wine that embodies finesse and elegance, the CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2012 is a choice worthy of the discerning connoisseur. Clearly, a testament to the exceptional potential of the Cheroubles cru, and a maharishi in the illustrious lineage of CG Paris offerings.

Indulge in the sumptuously rich elegance of CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2013, a French masterpiece bestowing a distinctive tasting experience. CG Paris masterfully crafts this exquisite jewel from century-old vines in the foundational soil of the Beaujolais region, lending an exceptional quality that transcends the norm. The 2013 vintage, a particularly zealous year, gives birth to apply, ripe red berries, and subtle spice undertones, mingling delicately with structured tannins and a remarkably fresh finish.

Made using traditional viticulture methods, the heritage of the craft shines through in every sip; the dedication in following an organic ethic takes the forefront of this producer's approach. CG Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2013 graces the palate with a harmonious balance of intensity and elegance, embodying the essence of traditional French winemaking. Matured for ten months in oak barrels, it's not just a wine; it's an expressive narrative of an age-old tradition, bottled. An ideal choice for those seeking wine of refined taste and unrivalled depth.