Chateau Certan de May 2021

WEINWISSER: "Der 2021er bestätigt die gute Bewertung der Primeurs- Verkostungen. Finessenreich und differenziert, erscheint er in diesem jugendlichen Stadium noch weniger fruchtbetont, vielmehr dreht sich beim Certan de May alles um die enorm engmaschige, feine Struktur mit großer Weite und viel Spiel in der Mitte. Endlos lang und reichhaltig erscheint er nicht breit oder fett, dafür extrem frisch, energiegeladen und sehr lang."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Good depth and breadth of complexity here showing cassis, black plums, fresh blackberries, iron, cigar and dark chili chocolate. Plump and juicy on the palate with medium to full body and a long and juicy finish. Tannins are fresh and caressing. An excellent delivery from the vintage. Drink or hold."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "The wine from this 13-acre vineyard is full of smoky, black-fruit aromas. It is fine with firm structure, some solid tannins and a fresh aftertaste. Drink from 2028."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."

DECANTER: "Juicy and vibrant, this starts with a kick of almost chewy tannins and ripe fruit which moves into creamy blueberries and cola tones with a salty, liquorice finish. Textured and nicely weighted, nice acidity and a good food wine. Drink young and enjoy the youth and sense of buzz. This doesn't feel like they've tried too hard but this is definitely on the slightly more pushed edge with full/filling tannins and a density to the fruit profile."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zurückhaltend, rote Herzkirschen, feine Nuancen von Preiselbeeren, etwas Nougat, kandierte Orangenzesten. Saftig, elegant, reife Tannine, zarte rote Frucht im Abgang, mineralischer Nachhall, gutes Potenzial, wird an Charme noch zulegen."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Cherries, plums, mint leaf, flowers, and a hint of cocoa show up easily in the nose. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is soft, fresh, refined, and with a strong, dark chocolate mint note that accompanies the plums in the chalky finish. Drink from 2024-2042."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Solid for the vintage, with black currant preserves backed by hints of warm earth, licorice and roasted alder. Offers some grip without the vintage's austere grain. Sweet tobacco echoes on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033. 1,700 cases made, 50 cases imported."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Certan de May has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It starts off a little closed, unfurling to reveal notes of warm plums, juicy blackberries, and tar, plus touches of cardamom and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate offers tight-knit restraint, with fine-grained tannins and a fragrant earth-laced finish."