2016 Certan De May
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Tasting notes
A blend of 65% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, The 2016 Certan de May took some coaxing from the glass but reveals delicate aromas of cassis and pencil shavings. The mid-palate is particularly precise with an expressive core of textured black fruit that glides through to a persistent finish. Vinified under Jean-Claude Berrouet’s direction since the 2013 vintage this 2016 is already so wonderfully and expressive and refined, no doubt it will continue to offer drinking pleasure for the next 15+ years.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Certan de May is by far the best bottle that I have encountered and far superior to the one tasted after bottling. It has a more upfront, red fruit-driven bouquet, raspberry coulis and wild strawberry, inky in style, perhaps more primal than its peers at this stage. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, quite lush, yet there is backbone here. This feels sensual, very pure, with a finish that just glides, although I find just a bit more grip and density in its Pomerol peers. But this restores a bit of faith in this Pomerol, which is a good thing. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Grilled rosemary, blackberry, and cassis flesh, this is full of character and just clings on. A ton of complexity at work here, subtle and juicy and really one to own. A little more open at this stage than some of the other 2016s in this extremely impressive line up but full of slate and chocolate pleasure.
Typically Cab Franc nose with the leafy note as well as plush cassis fruit. Really quite light on the palate, as if it has been undercooked somehow. A touch of bitterness on the finish. (RH)