2003 Château Pontet-Canet
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Tasting notes
Not overly complex, here you find a big, juicy blast of black currants, herbs, cedar, spice and tobacco. Concentrated, fruity, full-bodied and ready to deliver all it has to offer. A bit simple, but enjoyable. No decanting needed. Pop and pour works. Drink from 2025-2035.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2003 Pontet Canet has a precocious bouquet with blueberry, cassis, crushed violet and pastille-like fruit, perhaps more delineation than its peers. There's a nice focus here. The palate is well balanced with finely-knit tannins, a sorbet-like freshness, lightly spiced with hints of bacon fat emanating from that notorious warm summer. With a brightness on the finish, this is a superior Pauillac from 2003 and is recommended. (NM)
Healthy deep crimson still! Iron filings – pretty heavily extracted. Round and lively. Some evolution and still some tannin but it does still have life! Lightly saline. (JR)
The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years.
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