Certan de May 2005

Deep ruby, purple-tints- tight rim-dense and weighty-dark-fruited(cherry, plums, truffle) and the once brooding and unyielding tannins turned velvety supportive after all these years. The palate offers a natural, elegant, with balance bringing spice, charming cedar, cardamon, and leather tones into the mix with an air of modernity and a combination of power and elegance. According to some, this wine is perfect for current drinking and will be cellar well for at least another four to five years. The ABV is right on, at 13.5%; the acidity is harmonious and balanced, with a pleasant finish.

The value of Certan de May is its style, reminiscing certain elements of Petrus in the form of power and richness with great eleganceAsas one of the three Certansthe bottles, it is particularly well-liked by critics and professionals for the unique nerve and minerality, alongside VCC for ripeness and Hosanna for power. It is unique because its fruit is from a single parcel of clay-gravel soils from 50-year-old vines (at the vintage time)! Production is mere 2000 cases. Grapes' composition is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon(for vintage 2006), broadly reflected in the blend of the end wine. Grapes are hand-picked; after vinification, the wine rests in 70% new oak for 18 months.

While quality cannot always measure through scoring, its scores are consistent and high, such as RP95.