Ties for first place in this vintage. A blockbuster, yet harmonious. Great dark color with layers of chocolate, olive, berry flavor. Full bodied and tannic but very velvety. Drinkable now or hold for as long as you like.--The Bordeaux 50. -JS

Still dense ruby with some purple nuances, this large-boned Certan de May seems almost atypical for the vintage, which produced such elegant, lighter weight wines. Notes of licorice, dried herbs, red and black fruits, and spice are presently followed by a medium-bodied, relatively vigorous palate with a lot of depth and intensity. Drink it over the next 10 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2013. Last tasted, 5/02.