2017 Ch Pontet-Canet 5ème Cru, Pauillac

This is incredibly transparent and refined with blackcurrant, blueberry and mineral character. Full-bodied, layered and ethereal. Tannins have a crushed-stone character. Long and persistent.

96-97 points James Suckling

Composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pontet-Canet gives up beautifully fragrant notes of rosehip tea, lilacs, cinnamon stick, cloves, dried leaves and underbrush with a core of kirsch, raspberry coulis, warm plums and red and black currants plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing, minerally and wonderfully elegant with a well-played texture of approachable, plush tannins and a long, fragrant finish. Beautiful. Aging took place in 50% new and 15% in second fill barrels and the remaining 35% in amphorae for 16 months, much of the material for which came from the soil at Pontet-Canet!

96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown for The Wine Advocate

Few Bordeaux estates have undergone a transformation as remarkable as Château Pontet Canet. Under the visionary leadership of Alfred Tesseron, the estate became one of the first Classified Growths to embrace biodynamic farming, elevating its reputation to stand alongside the greatest names of Pauillac. Although ranked as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Classification, Pontet Canet is widely regarded as performing at a level well beyond its classification.

The estate's vineyards lie on deep Günz gravel over limestone and clay, neighbouring Château Mouton Rothschild. Biodynamic farming, meticulous vineyard work and gentle extraction allow Cabernet Sauvignon to express extraordinary purity and precision. The 2017 vintage produced a refined, beautifully balanced Pontet Canet, showcasing freshness, aromatic complexity and the unmistakable elegance of this remarkable estate.

The colour is a deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry are entwined with graphite, cedar, violets and fine cigar box notes. The palate is effortlessly composed, carrying concentrated black fruits across beautifully polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of dark chocolate, liquorice, crushed stone and subtle spice unfold through a long, seamless finish of exceptional poise and persistence.

A magnificent companion to dry aged rib eye, roast saddle of lamb, venison loin or beef Wellington with black truffle. Drinking beautifully with a generous decant, this outstanding Pauillac has the pedigree and balance to evolve gracefully through the 2040s.