Tasted at Benoit restaurant in New York. The Certan de May ’09 has a sweet, sensual bouquet that has retained that floral allure, this bottle a little “glossier” than the one three months previously. The palate is medium-bodied with a good backbone that suggests it has long-term potential. It is struck through with fine precision and builds towards, what for the vintage, is quite a masculine finish. Give this Pomerol six to eight years to show just what it can do.

A bruising black/purple-hued full-bodied wine the 2009 Certan de May displays notes of charcuterie smoked game herbs black truffles roasted meats cassis and black cherries. This backward robustly-styled Pomerol is loaded with tannin as well as extract. Give this full powerful 2009 a decade of cellaring and drink it over the following 30+ years. I'm sure it is not better than the immortal 1982 Certan de May. 93+ points.

Bright and ripe with mouthfilling linzer torte and blackberry preserves pushed by black tea and toasty spice. This has the racy grip of the vintage which builds steadily through the finish. Turns darker and denser with air. Best from 2014 through 2028. 2250 cases made.