2021 Certan De May
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Tasting notes
Distinctly more earthy and mineral than the Ch. Bourgneuf tasted alongside. The Certan de May has greater precision, a leaner, linear-styled Pomerol. The tannins are supple, soft but not without structure and build effortlessly on the palate bringing good depth to the palate. Earthy blackberry, tobacco and light iodine notes add complexity.
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William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2021 Château Certan De May comes from 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon planted in a 5.5-hectare parcel of clay and gravelly soils. It has a healthy ruby/purple hue to go with solid, fresher aromas and flavors of black cherries, leafy herbs, underbrush, and woodsmoke. With firmer tannins, medium body, and good overall balance, it's very much in the fresher, focused style of the vintage. Give it a few years and enjoy it over the following decade or so. It may ultimately end up being an outstanding wine at maturity.
"A step in the right direction." Those were my sentiments toward the 2021 Certan de May from barrel. Now in bottle, the nose is disappointing, missing fruit intensity and for want of a better word, just a bit anonymous, showing only touches of autumn leaves and earth. The palate is thankfully better, with more depth and fruit concentration than I might have expected. The acidity is well-judged with good body and no herbaceousness toward the finish. Perhaps the aromatics were just closed on the day? Jury's out, but I remain open-minded and keep my fingers crossed for next time.
The 2021 Certan de May turned out well, relative to how it showed en primeur. It remains a pretty hearty Pomerol, but élevage has smoothed some of the contours. Black cherry, cloves, leather, incense and tobacco are nicely amplified. Firm, chunky tannins wrap it all together.