2023 Certan de May
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Tasting Notes
This opens with a ripe, sweet, intense nose, with a darker profile that speaks of the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The palate is contrastingly red-fruited and fresh, vibrant and crunchy, with a mouth-watering mineral edge. The tannins are smooth and fine, with the acidity bright and tart, leading to a long finish. Blend: 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby/purple-hued, the 2023 Château Certan De May (65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) has a darker, more floral, herbal character (no doubt due to the high Cabernet content) as well as beautiful aromatics of cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and chalky minerality. It's medium-bodied, has nicely integrated oak, the pure, juicy, elegant style of the vintage, and a great finish. A more inward, focused, serious 2023, I’s going to benefit from a touch of bottle age, although, like just about all the 2023s, it will still offer plenty of pleasure in its youth.
Black raspberries, truffle, flowers, plums, and chocolate show easily in the nose. The wine is elegant, soft, refined, and silky on the palate, finishing with dark chocolate, ripe, black cherries, plums, and a touch of orange rind on the backend. The wine blends 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Certan de May comes bounding out with exuberant notes of crushed blackberries, juicy black cherries, and menthol leading to wafts of lavender and rosemary. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and plush, with juicy black berry flavors and a floral lift on the finish. The blend is 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.