Ripe blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, tobacco, and some graphite notes all emerge from the 2021 Château Pontet-Canet, a richer, medium to full-bodied Pauillac that has polished, building tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. It picks up more classic Pauillac lead pencil notes with time in the glass (I was able to taste this on multiple occasions) and is a fleshy, beautifully textured 2021 that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for two decades. The 2021 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot that was raised 50% in new oak barrels, 35% amphora, and the balance in once-used oak.
Offering up wild, exotic aromas of blackberries, cloves and Indian spices mingled with notions of rose petal, bruised orchard fruit and cherry pit that evolve rapidly in the glass, the 2021 Pontet-Canet is medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a layered mid-palate and refined tannins that assert themselves on the firm, saline finish. Always one of the Médoc's most singular, idiosyncratic wines, it will be interesting to see how it performs in bottle.
This is a very pretty 2021 with a solid, beautiful mid-palate and density. Juicy fruit, slightly chewy tannins and a savory finish. Hints of graphite. Drink or hold.
The concentration and finesse of a fine Pauillac wine
The estate
A 5th Grand Cru Classe of Pauillac, Chateau Pontet-Canet has experienced an unprecedented rise to the top, and is today regarded as one of the most iconic estates of the Médoc. Led by Justine and Alfred Tesseron, Chateau Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the pioneers of biodynamics in the Pauillac appellation, with results that have exceeded all expectations. From vintage to vintage, the estate stands out as one of the most beautiful references on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.
The vineyard
Ecocert and Biodyvin certified for the past 11 years, Chateau Pontet-Canet produces fine Pauillac wines and comprises a vineyard that extends over 81 hectares. The vineyards are ploughed by draft-horse to avoid overly packing the soil. The estate is managed using a biodynamic approach. Through their hard work and vast knowledge of the vineyard, the technical teams of the estate allow the vines to fully express themselves.
