Aromas of tobacco, berry and flowers follow through on the palate. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins. More on the nose than the palate, but should improve with age.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000__. -JS

For a vintage that has significantly less acclaim than 1989 or 1990, Certan de May produced a far better, more concentrated and complete wine in 1988 than in the two subsequent years. Still a dense garnet/ruby/purple with no amber at all, the aromatics offer up notes of truffle, licorice, compost, cedar, black currant, and cherry. The wine is very concentrated, powerful, muscular, and still youthful. With good underlying acidity, firm tannin, and a full-bodied, concentrated feel. The wine has a firmness but not any astringency. This is certainly one of the vintage’s most successful wines. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016. Last tasted, 10/02.