Château Pontet-Canet 2024

Luminous ruby color, expressive nose, plenty of cassis, menthol, blackberry, violet, cool fireplace notes; it opens up in the glass and grows more complex. On the palate, lighter on its feet, less compact than in the great vintages; the tannins are fine and interwoven with the crisp fruit, the acidity is excellently integrated, incredibly precise, with great tension and an aromatically long-lasting, red-fruited finish. A finesse-rich Pontet-Canet that will offer early drinking pleasure yet can age well.

Such an outstanding wine from Pontet this year. Ripe blackcurrant and dark chocolate, very expressive, open and scented on the nose. Concentrated, smooth and so satisfying on the palate, great texture and energy straight away – lifted but there’s power here; this isn’t a weak wine at all. Wonderful finesse and texture with a long finish. This is very complete and satisfying and really justifies the decisions made in the vineyard this year – late harvesting starting on October 4th when many were finishing. Juicy, fresh acidity combines with ripe tannins and lovely purity. Very accomplished – a great Bordeaux and Pauillac. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Ageing: 50% new barrels, 15% one-year-old barrels, 35% concrete amphoras.

With a good depth of color, the wine bursts with floral aromatics, black currants, licorice, cocoa, Asian spices, and wet earth in its open perfume. The palate is lively, energetic, and already expressive. Medium-bodied, with layers of currants, minerality, herbs, mint, and blackberries, the experience on your palate is fresh and refreshing, with good volume for the vintage. This is classic in nature, blending influences from the vineyard with its fruits. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. 13.1% ABV, pH 3.8. Harvesting took place September 26 - October 11. The success of the vintage is due to the workers' efforts in the vineyard, which include adding extra grass to remove excess water, exercising patience, selective picking, and avoiding overreactions in the vineyards and cellars. Pontet Canet led the 2024 campaign as it was the first major release from the vintage. The wine is aging in a combination of 50% new, French oak barrels, 35% amphora, and neutral oak. Drink from 2029-2055. 93-95 Pts

A majestic nose, with absolute serenity. The wine unfurls an ocean of sensual blue fruits, carried by mineral accents and a delicate touch of cassia bark. On the palate, it feels like floating on a warm, salty sea, eyes closed under a caressing sun. A sumptuous wine, with ravishing fullness.

(52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc) The nose is fruity, velvety, both relatively rich and airy. It reveals notes of vibrant blackberry, crunchy purple plum and, more slightly, wild strawberry, with touches of violet and lily; hints of fresh flowers and graphite; very subtle nuances almost like Timut pepper, a discreet hint of star anise, subtle iodized/oceanic hints, and an imperceptible suggestion almost of blood orange. The palate is finely crafted, supple, fresh, elegant, racy, iodized/saline, beautifully sapid and gourmand, offering a lively acidic backbone, an infusion-like feel, fine depth, a velvety texture, and lovely ripe fruit (which can sometimes flirt with a sun-kissed aspect). A certain aromatic concentration. A certain darkness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackcurrant and juicy cherry, and, more slightly, cornflower, with touches of vibrant Quetsche plum, flinty notes, graphene, as well as fine hints of camphor, cola, Bigarreau cherry, violet/fresh flowers, iodine, star anise, and a hint of smoke. Lovely mid-palate. The tannins are sapid, iodized, finely sappy, and elegant. Good length. Beautiful textured persistence.

Vibrant ruby in colour with violet edging, this is beautifully measured, with a careful release of black fruits. Puts the focus on the floral side of Cabernet Sauvignon on the aromatics, with rose petals, chamomile, fragrant tomato leaf and lilac. There is austerity on the opening, with tight architecture but as it opens juice begins to flow through the pumice and slate-textured tannins, and this delivers a finessed, slim-style of Pauillac, with plenty of ageing potential and quiet confidence. Harvest September 26 through to October 11. 3.8ph, 50% new oak, 35% concrete amphoras. One of the successes of the vintage. Tasted twice.