2021 Château Certan de May

James Suckling - 94

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.

Wine Enthusiast - 94

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.

Robert Parker - 92

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 - 92

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.