2021 Château Pontet-Canet
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Ch. Pontet-Canet has delightful aromatic complexity with distinct floral notes of peony, purple violet and lavender, with hints of old rose. On the palate there is a good, solid density to the wine and a high concentration of tannins that brings plenty of structure – but there is also a saline freshness that keeps the palate vibrant and energized. They chaptalised a little, bringing the final alcohol up to 12.5-13% and rounding out the palate. The tannins really start to firm up on the finish and will no doubt integrate with the fruit over time. The floral tones continue across the palate bringing more lift and complexity. This was their first vintage with an on-site “tisanerie” to produce their own biodynamic preparations, allowing them to act fast and manage mildew, reducing losses to 15% (in comparison to 2018 when they lost two thirds of their crop). Elevage is in 50% new oak, 35% concrete amphora and 15% one-year-old barrels. Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Concentrated, purplish crimson. Some freshness on the nose. Vibrant but simple blackcurrant. Chewy finish. Marked acidity. Certainly youthful! Giving this the benefit of the doubt. It’s no fun now but should come right. (JR)
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Blackish purple. Light nose and elevated acidity. A bit taut and ungenerous. Sudden finish. (JR)
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.
About the producer
Ch. Pontet-Canet is one of Pauillac’s top estates, and one of its largest at 81 hectares. Although classified as a Fifth Growth, these days it consistently competes with the First Growths