96pts Wine Spectator

Juicy, burly red. Fascinating aromas of ripe fruit, game and earth. Full-bodied, very velvety, with a long, rich aftertaste. Not giving away what it really has, but what classic potential.

90pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

An impressive Certan de May, the 1995 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, and a moderately intense nose of black olives, cedar, raspberries, and cherry fruit intermixed with toasty new oak. In the mouth, the new oak is noticeable, as is an elevated level of tannin. Notwithstanding the aggressive vanillin flavors and powerful tannin, this wine has outstanding depth, and a layered, concentrated style with considerable muscle and power. It is a big, backward, formidably endowed Certan de May that may turn out to be the finest wine made at this estate since the 1988, but patience is most definitely required. (RP)

90pts Int'l Wine Cellar

Darker red, but not especially saturated. Deeper, riper aromas of plum and framboise, with smoky oak and mint notes adding complexity; showed a note of surmaturite that reminded me of a Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape. Fairly strong on the attack, then the richest and sweetest of these three vintages by a wide margin. Concentrated and firmly structured. Finishes with dusty, tactile tannins and assertive flavors of kirsch, coffee and olive

Jancis Robinson

Some mineral flavour and definitely ripe fruit. Lovely wine – very interesting and beautiful weight, Much more than just ripe. Lots of character. It reveals itself slowly. Long. 17.5/20 points