Certan de May Pomerol 2009

95 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "[$135 list] 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. (Jul 2012)"

93-95 points Falstaff: "Somewhat shy, dark berry confit, mineral, blueberries, fine spicy notes. Elegant, good complexity, freshly structured, underlaid with a pleasant chocolate note, powerful, well-integrated tannins, good length, very harmonious. (4/23/10)"

93+ points Robert Parker: "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. I’m sure it is not better than the immortal 1982 Certan de May. Drink: 2022-2052. (12/22/11)"

93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted at Benoit restaurant in New York. The Certan de May ’09 has a sweet, sensual bouquet that has retained that floral allure, this bottle a little “glossier” than the one three months previously. The palate is medium-bodied with a good backbone that suggests it has long-term potential. It is struck through with fine precision and builds towards, what for the vintage, is quite a masculine finish. Give this Pomerol six to eight years to show just what it can do. Tasted April 2013. (11/29/13)"

93 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Black cherries, chalk and chocolate, with a delicate hint of salt are the focus of the refined, supple, soft, medium-bodied, elegant Pomerol. No decanting needed. This is ready-to-go. Drink from 2024-2035. (Mar 2024)"