Tar and dried tobacco with black cherries and blackberries. Stones, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a flavorful finish. Really tightly wound. Try after 2026.

Score: 97 James Suckling (JS), JamesSuckling.com, January 2022

The 2019 Certan de May is reticent and severe, both on its own and certainly in comparison with most Pomerols in this vintage. Tobacco, cedar, licorice and sweet red cherry struggle to emerge. My impression is that there is a lot of potential, but that potential is not always realized. I expected more here.

Score: 89 Antonio Galloni (AG), Vinous Media (VM), January 2022

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Certan de May rocks up with open-knit scents of warm black cherries, baked plums and blackberry pie with hints of charcoal, crushed rocks, iron ore and menthol plus a fragrant touch of sandalwood. Medium-bodied, the palate gives a pleasantly chewy texture and lovely freshness, supporting the subtle black fruit layers, finishing on a mineral note.

Score: 90-92+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown (LPB), The Wine Advocate (WA), June 2020

The 2019 Certan de May is a curious Pomerol. As I mentioned in my note from barrel, it has an open-knit nose of red berry fruit, touches of black tea, white pepper and damp earth. The palate is cohesive on the entry with light tannins, and a little more angular than its peers (especially juxtaposed against the Hosanna). It seems to be a little pinched and lacks the peacock’s tail that defines many 2019 Pomerols. It just leaves me wanting more.

Score: 88 Neal Martin (NM), Vinous Media (VM), February 2022

The 2019 Certan de May has turned out very well, offering up aromas of rich cherries, cassis, loamy soil and creamy but nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, layered and lively, with fine concentration, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish, this is beautifully balanced Pomerol that no doubt benefits from the perspective of consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet.

Score: 94 William Kelley (WK), The Wine Advocate (WA), April 2022