2020 Chateau Pontet Canet 1500ml

98 POINTS

James Suckling

This is integrated, with superb density and beauty, offering blackcurrant, mineral and some bark. Full-bodied, yet so polished and refined. Crushed stone. Lots of expression and texture to this wine. Creamy. Pure and precise. Elegant, yet layered. Slightly plusher than the 2019. Dense, yet agile. Fresh as always. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae. Points: 98-99

98 POINTS

James Suckling

Aromas of blackcurrants and black cherries with hints of crushed walnuts, grilled thyme, cocoa powder and graphite. It’s full-bodied with layers of ultra-fine, silky tannins that elegantly coat your palate, allowing the juicy and vibrant fruit to shine. Delicate and pristine, yet compact with lots of energy and power to uncover in the coming years. It lasts for minutes and is delicious now. The purity of fruit is really impressive. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. 50% new oak 15% old oak and 35% concrete amphorae. Try after 2027.

97 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

The magnificent structure and balance of this wine are powerful. It shows poise between the black fruits and the freshness of the vintage, while the texture is almost velvet. The wine is juicy and seriously structured at the same time. Drink from 2027. Organic and biodynamic.

97 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

96–98. Barrel Sample. Aromatic black currant and spice aromas give way to a wine that has richness while having impressive balance. The freshness shines with tannins that give a velvet character to the wine's texture. The fruitiness should not deceive from its longevity, so age this wine for many years. Organic and biodynamic.

97 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

Highly successful Pontet, one of the few Pauillacs that, for me, overperforms on its 2019. Inky purple with ruby reflections in colour. Lots of firm but upright tannins, a good dollop of graphite, pencil lead and cassis bud, there is depth through the mid palate shot through with wild blackberry, hawthorn, sage, rosemary and wild mint. It has personality, and is a little old school in the best possible way. Recommended. They have avoided the over-concentrated feel of some Pauillacs in the vintage, while remaining true to the appellation. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend, 50% new oak 35% amphoras, 15% one-year barrels. First full vintage for Mathieu Bessonnet who replaced the previous long-term director Jean-Michel Comme in 2020. 100% first wine, as it has been for the past four years. 45% will be aged in new oak barrels, 15% one year, 40% in amphoras. The mildew pressure was stressful in the early part of the year, but they had learnt from 2018, and brought in the manpower to get around the whole vineyard in a (very long) day, so their yields ended up being close to normal.

96 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, opaque core, delicate rim brightening. Black cherries, fine cassis, ripe plums, hints of nougat, candied orange zest, very fine noble wood savouriness, inviting bouquet. Complex, juicy, savoury texture, peppery touch, ripe and fine tannins, taut, mineral-salty finish, very structured, still somewhat demanding on the finish, will benefit from extended bottle aging. (2030-2065).

94 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Pronounced new wood. Vanilla and sweet cherry. Slightly floral. Wild cherry. Excellent fresh fruit. The palate has a silky texture, ultra-finely-knit tannin, vivid alcohol, medium-bodied intensity, increased acidity on the finish with slightly greenish components. Perfectly integrated finely-knit tannin and a creamy texture.