2016 Certan De May
Buying options
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
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.
A deeply intense and plush Pomerol with immaculately ripe fruit and tannins. So well executed with aromas of truffle, dark stones, coal smoke and intense dark plums and cocoa powder. The palate has an immaculate texture with very bright, velvety tannins, carrying rich dark plums. Plum pudding and Christmas cake to close. Try from 2025.
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.
