Château Certan De May, Pomerol, 2018
Jean-Claude Berrouet, the former wine-maker at Petrus has been consulting here for a few years and the change of style is really taking effect. We felt that the 2016 vintage was the best yet. That was until we tasted the marvellous 2018. Gone are the over the top blousy aromas, this is focussed and pure. The bouquet is just on the right side of flamboyant. Notes of kirsch, damsons, high toned graphite and raspberries. Plummy bittersweet salty fruit coats the palate. Beautiful texture – there is lovely detail and lots of summer berries with a real sense of tension. A very good effort. 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
critic reviews
The 2018 Certan de May is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sporting a medium to deep garnet-purple color, it features notes of black cherry compote, black raspberries and plum preserves, plus suggestions of underbrush, Sichuan pepper, dried Provence herbs and cedar chest. The elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate is filled with expressive black berry and earthy layers, supported by grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.
The 2018 Certan de May disappoints on the nose. It just seems to lack the energy of other Pomerols, feeling a static in the glass, and displaying broody black fruit with light black pepper notes and an odd, almost onion-like scent. The palate is slightly better... but not much. Lacking cohesion and grip, it feels rather rustic and lacks the breeding of other vintages of Certain-de-May that I have tasted. Even leaving the bottle to open for several hours does it no favors, and yet again, I am left scratching my head.