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Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 14.5/20 · Drink 1996-2016, Jancis Robinson MW, Jul 2025

Chosen because 1988 was the birth year of one of the dinner guests. Very old-fashioned, verging on oxidised and bretty. Gentlemen's club wine? (JR)

Critic scores

Critic scores
91
91/100

Average Score

89
89/100

Wine Spectator

92
92/100

Robert Parker

More reviews and scores

18.5 points
Jancis Robinson MW
Score 18.5/20 · Drink 1998-2025, Jancis Robinson MW, Aug 2017

Impériale. A truly glorious wine, suggesting that all one needed with the 1988s was patience. Still extremely dense and rich with many a layer and some (positive) gamey overtones that made it a great partner for new season's grouse. Very sweet and succulent. A great 1988. (JR)

89 points
Wine Spectator
Score 89/100 · Wine Spectator

Aromas of tobacco, berry and flowers follow through on the palate. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins. More on the nose than the palate, but should improve with age.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000-James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1998

92 points
Robert Parker
Score 92/100 · Robert Parker

Certan de May has turned out a muscular, powerful, deep ruby/purple-colored wine that exhibits little evolution at almost ten years of age. The wine holds exceptional promise given its tobacco leaf, spicy, cedary, black cherry and currant-scented nose. Roasted herb/meaty, fleshy, full-bodied flavors continue to border on the exotic. This is an intense, rich, long-lived style of wine that still requires bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2015. Last tasted 10/97. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1

About the producer

Certan de May
View Producer

Product details

Grape Blend

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

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