Chateau Certan de May is one of the most understated gems in Bordeaux wine. Lying on 5.5 hectares of Pomerol's southeast plateau, the estate has undergone significant changes throughout the past three decades and has remained one of the region's most historic sites. With Merlot-driven blends that are a signature on Bordeaux's Right Bank, Certan de May wine possesses incredible age-ability, power, and freshness that continues to delight wine enthusiasts.
Chateau Certan de May Beginnings
Chateau Certan de May dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of Pomerol's longest standing wine estates. In the 16th century, the de May family immigrated from Scotland to France to serve the royal family, eventually being gifted the land in the 16th century thanks to a royal decree. The plot was set on three contemporary estates— Certan de May, Vieux Chateau Certan, and Chateau Hosanna— before splitting after the French Revolution. The remaining 5.5 hectares were kept by the de May family, who retained sole ownership of the estate until 1925, when rights were passed to the Barreau family.
The new owners brilliantly showcased the Pomerol terroir, producing exceptional terroirs throughout most of the century. After its strongest showings in the 1980s, Certan de May wines fell flat and would not see a resurgence until 2005, when current owner Jean-Luc Barreau hired Michel Rolland as a consultant. The famed winemaker set the stage for Certan de May's powerful wines, later releasing his title to current winemaker, Jean-Claude Berrouet.
Chateau Certan de May Pomerol Terroir
Certan de May is sandwiched between Vieux Chateau Certan, Petrus, and Chateau La Fleur Petrus on Pomerol's coveted southeast plateau. The 5.5-hectare vineyard consists of deep clay and gravel soils that produce fruit of power, elegance, structure, and freshness. Ultimately, the vineyard consists of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Certan de May Top Vintages
Certan de May is known for crafting wines of exceptional power, richness, and complexity, lasting for years in the cellar and perfect for long-term drinking. Around 2,000 cases of these magnificent Merlot-driven blends are released each vintage, after aging in new French oak for 12-14 months. When tasting the wine, critics like Robert Parker have exalted the wines as "dense, full-bodied, and virile." From the first pour, the lightweight bouquet of black fruit aromas eases the drinker in, while the first sip contains a punch of fruit intensity.
Chateau Certan de May 2014
One of the most notable, recent vintages from Certan de May includes the 2014 bottle, rated 94.5 points by Antonio Galloni and 95 points by James Suckling. The wine exuded a signature full-bodied character, terrific depth, and blackberry, stone, and dried flower notes.
Chateau Certan de May 2005
The 2005 Certan de May is regularly pointed to as the estate's return to Bordeaux prominence. In a legendary vintage for the region, the estate produced an exceptional blend that displayed a traditional Pomerol profile. Full-bodied, rich, and excellent for long-term aging, the wine has established itself as one of the estate's greatest.
Chateau Certan de May 1995
After a few years of downtrodden showings in the early 90s, Certan de May produced a beautiful wine in the 1995 vintage. In his review, Robert Parker stated, "It is a big, backward, formidably endowed Certan de May that may turn out to be the finest wine made at this estate since the 1988." Furthermore, he celebrated the wine's potential for cellar-aging and noted that it should drink best from 2006-2020.
