James Suckling, tasting note published in February 12th 2020
The aromas of this wine are truly astonishing, with a potpourri of spices and dried flowers, as well as redcurrants, sweet plums and even some peaches. The wine is full-bodied, with layers of ripe fruit and ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate overall, but still elegant and pure. Juicy and pure. Like crushed grapes, perfectly ripe. Its length is infinite. A fabulous young red. 35% in amphora and the rest in 50% new oak and 15% one-year-old oak. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Tasted after 2028, but an absolute pleasure to enjoy now.
A direct neighbour of Mouton-Rothschild, Pontet-Canet benefits from a magnificent terroir which has contributed enormously to its reputation. What is striking about this estate is its meteoric rise and the biodynamic approach it has adopted, not without risk, in a region where ‘ecoviticulture’ has not yet become the norm. In the space of ten years, thanks to owner Alfred Tesseron and manager Jaen-Michel Comme, Pontet-Canet has become the most sought-after brand in the Médoc. A model of success that will surely serve as an example! Since 2020, Justine Tesseron, Alfred’s daughter and now at the head of the estate, has been responsible for keeping Pontet-Canet in a class of its own.
Pontet-Canet, the first major Bordeaux wine estate of renown to venture into organic and biodynamic farming, was also the first among the Grands Crus Classés to receive double certification for the entire vineyard.
