Château Pontet-Canet - Pauillac 2010

Originally classified as a 5th Growth, Chateau Pontet-Canet has a reputation far above its 1855 ranking, with these wines largely considered Super Seconds, closely ranking as such on the Liv-Ex global wine trading platform. While the estate was established in 1781, Pontet-Canet's superior position today was hard-fought, as quality on the famed Pauillac terroir did not always impress drinkers. Then, in 1975, respected Cognac merchant Guy Tesseron purchased the estate and brought on Jean-Michel Comme as the technical director, forever changing the landscape of Pontet-Canet. With the help of consultant Michel Rolland in the 1990s and eventual ownership from Alfred Tesseron, Chateau Pontet-Canet launched into Bordeaux superstardom, holding this position into the current day.

Manual sorting and destemming. Alcoholic Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, maceration of 4 weeks with soft punching-down, malolactic fermentation in vats. 50% in new oak barrels, 35% in concrete amphoras, 15% in one wine oak barrels - 16 to 18 months.

"The aromas to this are incredible with blueberry, minerals, dried flowers, and stones. It goes to dried meat and spices. Full body and incredibly integrated with blackberry, licorice, and minerals. There's a wonderful purity to this. It goes on for minutes. The quality of tannins is amazing. Seamless. There's an amazing transparency that shows you all the elements of the wine's unique terroir." - 100 Points, James Suckling

"The 2010 Pontet-Canet offers a very deep garnet color. Whoa—the nose explodes with a vast array of black fruit preserves and savory nuances: plum preserves, blackcurrant cordial, black cherry coulis and licorice with wafts of dried lavender, melted chocolate, charcuterie, black olives, truffles and camphor plus a hint of sandalwood. The full-bodied palate is completely filled with black fruits, exotic spices and earthy nuances with a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. So much more expressive and seductive than a lot of 2010s at this stage, and yet it is still incredibly youthful!" - 100 Points, Wine Advocate

"The 2010 Pontet-Canet is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-black in color, it sashays out of the glass with opulent scents of Chinese five spice, smoked meats, and cigar box, over a core of prunes, redcurrant jelly, and fruitcake with a waft of espresso. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm, grainy structure with tons of freshness supporting the decadent spice and fruit preserves layers, finishing with great length. It is delicious to drink now!" - 100 Points, The Wine Independent 

Producer: Château Pontet-Canet

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Pauillac

Vintage: 2010

Size: 750ml