2023 Château Certan de May

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. (05/2024)

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. (05/2024)

This is dark, winey and well-built for the vintage, with dark currant and black cherry reduction notes showing admirable depth. Offers ample grip but is sleek and refined, with licorice, violet, graphite and roasted apple wood seamlessly inlaid through the finish. Well-done. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2027 through 2040.—J.M. (01/2026)