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Tasting Notes

Tasting notes
Score 97-98/100 · James Suckling, May 2016

This is very fine and silky with a beautiful vivid blackberry and blueberry character. Super polished tannins. Refined and very, very long. Fabulous harmony to this young wine. Very classic Bordeaux. Superb depth and length. Real Bordeaux.

Critic Scores

Critic scores
96
96/100

Average Score

98
97-98/100

James Suckling

17
17/20

Jancis Robinson MW

More reviews and scores

95 - 98 points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Score 95-98/100 · Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2016

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2015 Pontet-Canet oozes class, finesse and pure pedigree. A hypothetical combination of the 2010 (for its dark fruit and tannic structure) and the 2009 (for its voluptuous fruit), the 2015 offers remarkable intensity, power and grace. A host of exotic floral and spice notes wrap around the dark, racy finish. In a word: magnificent!

94 - 96 points
Neal Martin
Score 94-96/100 · Neal Martin, May 2016

The 2015 Pontet Canet was tasted on two occasions around two weeks apart and I noticed a superior showing the second time around. This year is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 18 September apropos the Merlot and from 28 September for the Cabernet, finishing on 3 October. It is matured in 50% new oak, 35% concrete and 15% one-year-old barrels. It has a pure and perfumed bouquet with small dark cherries, red plum and subtle violet scents, perhaps a little Margaux-like in style, the second showing demonstrating a little more red fruit character. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly grainy texture on the entry. There is nicely judged acidity here, moderate depth, very supple tannin that lend this a silky texture. There is modest weight towards the second half, perhaps spicier than some of its Pauillac peers with an edgy, lightly peppered finish. It is an intriguing and complex, almost mercurial Pontet-Canet, a wine that I suspect will gain more weight during its élevage. Afford this 5-8 years in bottle and you should have a delicious, intellectual Pontet-Canet on your hands.

17 points
Jancis Robinson MW
Score 17/20 · Jancis Robinson MW

50% new oak. 35% amphora. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3%Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Picked relatively early, 18 September to 3 October, because they ripen earlier. Dark purplish crimson. Very ripe start and then rather drying tannins on the end. Wild and lively but a little bit heavy. I'm looking for a little more freshness. There's austerity and astringency (because of the amphorae influence?) but I'm not sure it compensates for the lack of acidity. Savoury, salty finish. Distinctive. 13.5%. Apr 2016, www.JancisRobinson.com, Drink: 2025-2040

About the producer

Château Pontet-Canet 1:1
Pontet Canet

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

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