Unfortunately, I don’t own this wine, so I couldn’t confirm these disappointing tastings with a bottle from my cellar, but nothing seemed suspicious in both tastings of the 2000 Certan de May, such as cooked or badly stored wines. There were definitely some herbaceous, mushroomy fruit notes, with some cedar wood and spice box. In the mouth, the leanness, slight austerity, and lack of concentration, texture, and overall quality seemed very obvious in both tastings, conducted about three weeks apart. This is a 2000 where I would have to say my earlier rating was way off.

Aromas of chocolate, berry and flowers follow through to full-bodied palate, with firm and velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is a muscular wine that slowly builds on your palate. Slightly funky, but I like it. Needs lots of bottle age. Excellent Certan de May. Best after 2010. -JS