Chateau Certan de May 2021
Region: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Grape: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Grilled Red Meats, Lamb Shanks, Beef Stew, Lamb Chops
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Château Certan de May 2021 is a distinguished Pomerol wine, blending Merlot with a generous proportion of Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its balance and finesse, this wine captures the character of Pomerol’s finest terroir, offering depth and complexity with each vintage.
Origins
The origins of Château Certan de May date back to the very beginnings of Pomerol. The de May family, who settled in France from Scotland in the Middle Ages, were gifted the property by royal decree in the 16th century as a gesture of thanks for services rendered to the crown of France. The estate began producing wine in the 18th century and was managed by descendants of the de May de Certans until 1925, when it passed to the Barreau family. Situated on Pomerol’s prized central plateau, surrounded by illustrious neighbors such as Vieux Château Certan and La Fleur-Pétrus, Château Certan de May has long been considered one of the finest estates of the appellation. The wines owe their complexity to the vineyard’s soil composition, a combination of clay and gravel that bring together power and elegance, structure and freshness. The balance of the wines from Château Certan de May illustrates the unique complementarity of these terroirs. Director and co-owner Jean-Luc Barreau applies all of his care and attention to producing a wine in the great tradition of his forebears. Vinified under the guidance of renowned consultants Michel Rolland until 2012 and Jean-Claude Berrouet since the 2013 vintage, Château Certan de May benefits from the best winemaking know how. The wine is rich, powerful, complex; while it can be enjoyed after a few years of cellaring, its structure and natural depth lend it great ageability.
Cork Tasting Notes
The 2021 opens with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and violets, enriched by earthy undertones and a hint of spice. On the palate, it showcases a harmonious blend of dark berries, cedar, and tobacco, supported by silky tannins and refreshing acidity. The Cabernet Franc adds freshness and structure, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides an extra layer of intensity and ageing potential.
Critic Reviews
92 points
William Kelley, Wine Advocate Feb 2024
The 2021 Certan de May has also turned out nicely in bottle, bursting with attractive aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and fruitcake, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and dynamic palate with good depth of fruit, supple tannins and impressive length on the finish. As readers may remember, this Merlot-dominant blend incorporates fully 37% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a figure that reflects the vintage (which favored these varieties) as well as a tendency to replant with Cabernet rather than Merlot over the last decade.
Drink 2024 - 2040