Chateau Certan de May takes its name in the Bordeaux wine region from the long standing tradition of honoring the founding owner, the Demay family. The Demay’s were the first owners of the Pomerol property. In the late 1700’s, the vineyards of what is thought of as Vieux Chateau Certan and Certan de May, belonged to one large Pomerol property. The estate was divided after the French Revolution into smaller plots. The Demay family obtained 5 hectares of land that was called Petit-Certan.
The Pomerol vineyard is planted to 70% Merlot , 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in a single parcel, which is uncommon in Pomerol. The vines are on average, 30 years of age. But they have old vines that with some vines being much older, having survived the frost of 1956. Most of their vineyard is just behind the small chateau and due west of the chateau, which is only a long, stones throw from Petrus and not too far from Lafleur. (The Wine Cellar Inside, March 2017)
Certan de May lies on the famous Pomerol plateau, neighbour to Vieux Château Certan and La Fleur-Pétrus. Its reputation is for extraordinary complexity – due to its complex soils – resulting in a paradoxical balance of power, freshness, rich structure and supreme elegance. The wine is rather decadent and while it can be enjoyed after a few years of cellaring, its structure and natural depth lend it great ageability.
From proprietress Odette Barrau-Badar, this vineyard, which is fabulously located just adjacent to Vieux Château Certan, Petrus and La Fleur Petrus, has produced a 2012 with a dark plum/purple color. There is often considerable Cabernet Franc in this blend, and I think that comes through in this wine with its notes of forest floor, earth and spice. It is fragrant, medium to full-bodied, rich and savory. This is another meaty, concentrated, very successful 2012 Pomerol It should drink well for 20 or more years.
Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS
April 1, 2018, Roger Voss
“With its proportion of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has an elegant profile, while the Merlot reflects the natural opulence of the vintage. Acidity, concentration and black fruits are all there, along with the tannin that will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2026.”
Vinous Media
94 POINTS
March 1, 2018, Antonio Galloni
“The 2015 Certan de May is deep, powerful and imposing. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and mint are some of the many notes that fill out the wine's frame. Vertical in feel, with potent tannins, the 2015 needs time to fully come together. Even so, it does not appear to be an especially refined wine. The blend is 80% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.”
The Wine Advocate
95+ POINTS
February 21, 2018, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
“The 2015 Certan de May is composed of 80% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc, displaying a medium garnet-purple color and nose of warm red cherries, mulberries, crushed red and black plums and raspberry leaves with nuances of wild thyme, dried roses, cloves and eucalypt. Medium to full-bodied and boasting great harmony in the mouth, the palate delivers loads of red and black fruit layers interspersed with floral and herb accents and framed by a firm, ripe, fine-grained backbone, finishing with wonderful length and freshness.”
