Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2017 Certan de May is a powerful, dense wine. Graphite, smoke, grilled herbs and dark red and purplish fruit confer a real sense of gravitas that also comes through in the wine's unctuous fruit and overall richness. The 2017 packs a serious punch, that is for sure. Although not the last word in finesse, Certan de May offers plenty of richness and body. It is one of the bigger Pomerols of the year. I would give the 2017 a few years in bottle to allow the tannins to soften.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

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Wine Advocate (93-95)

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Decanter (94)

Ripe nose with some black truffle, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. On the palate this is juicy and succulent, a lighter fresher wine than the two before, cooling mint, minerality, bright strawberry and raspberry leaf. lifted still with concentration and pomerol power but also glossy with some confidence shining through. Nicely integrated tannins and long length.

Decanter (94)

Ripe nose with some black truffle, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. On the palate this is juicy and succulent, a lighter fresher wine than the two before, cooling mint, minerality, bright strawberry and raspberry leaf. lifted still with concentration and pomerol power but also glossy with some confidence shining through. Nicely integrated tannins and long length.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

James Suckling (95-96)

This very refined with polished, chewy tannins and black olives. Medium-to full-bodied, the tannins are chiseled and energetic. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2021 Certan de May has also turned out nicely in bottle, bursting with attractive aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and fruitcake, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and dynamic palate with good depth of fruit, supple tannins and impressive length on the finish. As readers may remember, this Merlot-dominant blend incorporates fully 37% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a figure that reflects the vintage (which favored these varieties) as well as a tendency to replant with Cabernet rather than Merlot over the last decade.

As a discerning connoisseur, you'll appreciate the Chateau Certan de May Pomerol Croix de Certan 2019, a sublime Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This elite wine hails from the world-renowned Pomerol region of France's rustic vineyard landscape, crafted at the historic Chateau Certan de May, recognised globally for its mastery in winemaking.

The 2019 vintage champions balance, showcasing a ravishing tapestry of berry fruits interwoven with a depth of floral undertones and distinctive mineral richness, harmonised by its refined tannic structure. This intricate profile owes to the meticulous vinification processes, including selective handpicked harvests, traditional maceration techniques, and an extended ageing period in finely grained French oak barrels. Its boutique production adds to the exclusivity of this exemplary label.

The Chateau Certan de May Pomerol Croix de Certan 2019 exemplifies the epitome of French viticulture, destined to delight the most discerning palates and embellish any fine wine collection.

The Certan de May Croix de Certan 2020 is sourced from the esteemed Pomerol wine region, in the heart of Bordeaux, France. Exploiting the Merlot-dominated terroir on the Right Bank, this rare vintage showcases the renowned winemaking craftsmanship of the Certan de May estate, now held under the meticulous custodianship of Jean-Luc Barreau. The wine is matured in 70% new French oak barrels for around 20 months, reaching peak eloquence in its expression of dark fruits.

The significant proportion of Cabernet Franc lends floral bouquets and elegance to the inherent monolithic and opulent Merlot character. Its layered character offers hints of black cherry, plum, and graphite complemented by liquorice accents. Exhibiting velvet-like tannins and profound depth, the Certan de May Croix de Certan 2020 is a testament to refined winemaking. With cellaring potential, it promises to evolve with time, revealing complex dimensions for the discerning connoisseur. Sensational and complete, it's an exploration of excellence in a bottle.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)

Bright dark red. Exotic nose dominated by candied raspberry. Sweet and plump in the mouth, with red fruit and game flavors. A bit loose-knit owing to low acidity, but finishes with ripe tannins and good length. Ultimately less shapely and sophisticated than the 2001.

Aside from producing some of the greatest, rarest wine on Earth, Ausone’s terroir is exceptional for its consistency. Vintage after vintage, both its Grand Vin and second wine excel whilst others stumble – the latter representing a miniscule 10% of the total production of an already dramatically small amount. The perfect illustration of this, barely 500 cases of Chapelle d’Ausone were made in 2005 – it is astonishing that there are any left!

2005 was a particularly extraordinary vintage for Ausone. The very first year in which Pauline Vauthier took full control of winemaking decisions, both wines from the property are as stunning a debut as any vigneron on the planet has had. 2005 is, in general, an excellent vintage in Bordeaux, famed for its purity, freshness and fruit underpinned by muscular yet fine tannins. A vintage that required time in bottle, it is finally rewarding collectors ten times over for their patience.

Wine Enthusiast (92)

91-93 Barrel sample. The second wine of Château Ausone is enticingly spicy, with wood aromas and flavors. They balance excellently with fruit and tannins, followed by a dark dryness, which lasts through as the aftertaste.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)

More serious, with the impact of Cabernet Sauvignon striking in the blend, partly because the vintage has the kind of structure that favours dark fruits character. Gives a pause to the fruit, a blast of fresh air between the opening beats and the close of play, has tension and grip, and is serious. Decades ahead. Winemaker/cellar master Philippe Baillarguet, overseen by Pauline Vauthier and father Alain, 100% new oak for ageing. Cabernet Sauvignon here, planted in 2006, on the slopes. 11th generation of the Vaulthiers.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2011 Chapelle d’Ausone has a well-defined, quite focused bouquet with high-toned but precise red berry fruit, crushed stone and rose petal aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, lifted red berry fruit laced with truffle, black pepper and a touch of clove. Lovely cohesion on the finish, this is an excellent 2011 that is ageing with style. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

Wine Advocate (93)

One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. About half of their production goes into the second wine, Chapelle D’Ausone, which gives you an indication of the compulsive perfectionist attitude of the Vauthiers. The 2012 Chapelle D’Ausone has a dense ruby/purple color and is rich, broad and expansive, with notes of plum, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, powdered chalk and flowers. The wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure and long and rich. This is better than many of the vintages of Ausone in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, which says a lot about what Vauthier has achieved. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2014 Chapelle d'Ausone came across quite plush when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle it has certainly attained a more classic style without compromising the satisfying delineation and focus. There is plenty of fresh red cherry, crushed strawberry and loganberry fruit to savor, an undercurrent and limestone that percolates through. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very refined and focused with superb tension and nuance. This just glides across the mouth, not a million miles away from the 2014 La Clotte in style, blessed with a very persistent finish.

James Suckling (95-96)

This is really intense and powerful with fantastic energy and character. So much dark berry and walnut character. Full and chewy. Yet polished. Second wine of Ausone.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2016 Chapelle d’Ausone offers intense black cherries, raspberry coulis and marmalade aromas on the nose, manifesting more delineation in the glass over the course of 10–15 minutes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, very pure black fruit and tangible mineralité and tension on the finish. This is pure class, a wine of nobility and deliciousness. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2016 Chapelle d’Ausone offers intense black cherries, raspberry coulis and marmalade aromas on the nose, manifesting more delineation in the glass over the course of 10–15 minutes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, very pure black fruit and tangible mineralité and tension on the finish. This is pure class, a wine of nobility and deliciousness. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

The richness of this fine wine is balanced by delicious freshness and acidity. It has firm tannins, of course, while also having a lift of black currant fruitiness. The tannic core promises great aging; drink from 2025.