2022 Certan de May
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Tasting notes
The nose of this 2022 is awash with floral aromatics and spice, with notes of acacia and star anise infused with the fruit. Initially, the palate is dominated by crunchy black fruit followed by layers of liquorice and cocoa. The palate’s length is underpinned by a backbone of acidity that gives the wine shape and direction. This Certan de May is full of complexity with a long and generous finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Certan de May has turned out nicely in bottle, bursting with aromas of minty blackberries and creamy new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and polished palate that's fleshy, suave and nicely balanced. This charming Pomerol is another strong effort for this discreet but well-located estate opposite Vieux Château Certan.
A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Château Certan De May comes from a tiny 5.5 hectares of vines of clay and deep gravelly soils. The higher Cabernet content gives this a unique style, and its deep purple/ruby hue is followed by a concentrated, juicy, focused Pomerol with both cassis and dark cherry fruits, nicely integrated acidity, fine-grained yet building tannins, and some classic earthy, spicy, graphite-like nuances. The balance is spot on, and this deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and should be long-lived.
The 2022 Certan de May has a lightweight bouquet with tertiary black fruit that lacks the panache of its peers. It has plenty of sous-bois , but there is a shortfall of fruit intensity. The palate has a light chassis with fine tannins. This is balanced yet missing real drive and vigor, plus there is an absence of grip on the finish, a shortcoming exposed by juxtaposition with its peers. Sadly, this Pomerol does not move me when I know it can.