Planted to 70% merlot 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. This 5-hectare estate is situated on the Pomerol plateau near Petrus and directly across from Vieux Chateau Certan. Soils are clay and gravel. Medium deep purple color. Brambly but dry nose with blackberry blueberry cola nut and clay aromas. Black and blue fruit flavors carry through from the entry to the mid-palate joined by cola nut brown spices and racy minerality. This elegant and balanced package will need 10-15 years to reach its peak and can be enjoyed through 2035. Part of the Moueix family of wines.

The 2011 Certan-de-May has a well-defined and fresh bouquet, quintessentially Pomerol with a touch of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity, good backbone with black pepper and cedar towards the slightly dry but still appealing finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin

An impressive effort from this well-situated estate sandwiched between Vieux Chateau Certan, Petrus and La Fleur Petrus, Certan de May’s dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 exhibits a big, spicy, earthy, plum and black-fruited nose, a medium to full-bodied, masculine style, and some noticeable tannins still to be shed. Cellar it for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 12-15. - Robert Parker