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 estate 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.

(Wine sampled from tubes) The 2020 Certain De May is a blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a very refined and polished Certain De May. The color in the glass is deep garnet with purple on the edges. The aromas show ripe dark plum, coffee bean, licorice with a hint of dried sage and black olives. The palate is medium-bodied leaning toward full-bodied. This is a wine with intense power, but backs off just at the right moment showing a creaminess, finely grained tannins and acidity that add freshness along with a hint of spiciness to a long finish. I expect the Certain De May to exhibit even more complexity on release. Nice work from this estate!

By Perry Miroballi