An under the radar insiders' Pomerol that is subdued but clearly holding a lot back. Give it time and you find layers of earthy, focused and finessed blackcurrant and bilberry fruits. Balanced, well placed, gets increasingly creamy and succulent as it opens in the mouth, showing its complexity and promise. Harvest September 17 to October 4. An upscore from En Primeur.

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. (GH)

The 2019 Certan de May has turned out very well, offering up aromas of rich cherries, cassis, loamy soil and creamy but nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, layered and lively, with fine concentration, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish, this is beautifully balanced Pomerol that no doubt benefits from the perspective of consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet. (WK)