2009 Certan de May, Pomerol
SKU #1111190
94-96
points
Wine Enthusiast
Barrel sample. Wonderful concentration here, the wine has the most powerful wood spice, ripe and mineral tannins. It is impressive in every way, showing the total richness of the vintage.
(8/ 2010)
95
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Deep purple-ruby. Knockout nose of black cherry, minerals, coffee liqueur and violet offers uncommon depth and complexity. The flavors of blackberry, black plum and minerals are complicated by a note of iron and given wonderful clarity and cut by harmonious, vibrant acidity. Finishes very long and pure, with distinctive balsamic nuances. There's lots of sweet fleshy fruit here but the wine comes across as amazingly refined and graceful thanks to its vibrant acidity, which really extends the flavors at the back. The best young Certan of the last 12 or 15 years.
(7/ 2012)
93
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
(2/ 2012)
92
points
Wine Spectator
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.
(5/ 2012)
K&L Notes
Deep color and tons of Asian spice aromas that follow to the palate. Very rich texture and evident tannins at the back. Will require lots of ageing. From Jancis Robinson: "Dark purplish crimson. Heady, sweet, intense nose. Polished and very savoury. Well mannered. Rather old style but with the extra ripeness of the vintage. Chewy end. A bit austere at the moment but there is integrity underneath. Very interesting on the finish. It grows towards the end." (04/2010)