A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Château Certan De May comes from a tiny 5.5 hectares of vines of clay and deep gravelly soils. The higher Cabernet content gives this a unique style, and its deep purple/ruby hue is followed by a concentrated, juicy, focused Pomerol with both cassis and dark cherry fruits, nicely integrated acidity, fine-grained yet building tannins, and some classic earthy, spicy, graphite-like nuances. The balance is spot on, and this deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and should be long-lived.

The 2022 Certan de May has a lightweight bouquet with tertiary black fruit that lacks the panache of its peers. It has plenty of sous-bois , but there is a shortfall of fruit intensity. The palate has a light chassis with fine tannins. This is balanced yet missing real drive and vigor, plus there is an absence of grip on the finish, a shortcoming exposed by juxtaposition with its peers. Sadly, this Pomerol does not move me when I know it can.

The 2022 Certan de May has turned out nicely in bottle, bursting with aromas of minty blackberries and creamy new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and polished palate that's fleshy, suave and nicely balanced. This charming Pomerol is another strong effort for this discreet but well-located estate opposite Vieux Château Certan.