Château Pontet-Canet is a large Pauillac estate that can trace its origins back to 1725, when Jean-François Pontet gave his name to the estate he had acquired.

The wine was not château-bottled until 1972 and in 1975 the property was sold to Guy Tesseron, of the Tesseron family, one of the finest exponents of luxury, very old, aged Cognacs (Cognac Tesseron). The Tesserons also own Château Lafon-Rochet in St-Estephe. Today, Château Pontet-Canet is owned and run by Alfred and Michel Tesseron. The Tesserons have vastly improved the quality of the Pontet-Canet wines which are now full-bodied and packed with ripe, chewy, black fruits and finely integrated tannins. The wines posseses marvellous ageing potential.

Pontet-Canet’s 78 hectares of vineyards adjoin those of Mouton Rothschild and are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (32%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).

Pontet-Canet is classified as a 5ème Cru Classé.

Blend – Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 1%

Winemaking – four weeks to a month, decided by tasting. Fermentation : two to three weeks in Vats : oak and natural cement

Ageing : 50% new barrels, 35% dolia, 15% one-year-old barrels, Maturation time : approx. 16 months

A particularly intense colour heralds the quality of the vintage, while the mature nose expresses red and black fruit aromas with light oak and some floral notes. On the palate, a very generous tannic structure is complemented by uncommon refinement and precision. Graced with succulent tannins, the wine has a vibrancy that captivates with its emotional appeal. The quintessence of the Pontet-Canet terroir!

What strikes the taster immediately is the energy these wines display, the expression of tension and intensity: they are bright and brilliant, as though freed of any constraint. Their internal balance combines contained power, uncommon precision of fruit and undeniable class. They seduce by their full-bodied fruit, the finesse of their mouthfeel and their natural elegance, delivering a natural emotion which enhances their seductive charm.

Wine Enthusiast – 96 points

So smooth, this is a rich, grandiose wine. Although it is full of black currant fruits and spice flavors, the texture is most impressive. Dusty tannins are integrated with juicy fruits seamlessly. The purest fruit flavors are allied to linear tannins in a precise yet generous way.

Decanter – 95 points

This is a lovely Pontet, with liquorice root, chamomile, black pepper spice and an earthiness that gives it a more gentle, welcoming feel than many Pauillacs in the vintage. Red cherry and raspberry fruits, a mouthwatering finish and confident tannic grip. Plenty to enjoy here, a delicious wine.

James Suckling – 95 points

A wine with lots of ripe berries, verging on dried fruits. Full and chewy with ripe, round, chewy tannins. It needs lots of bottle age.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 93 points

Deep garnet in color, the 2011 Pontet-Canet comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of redcurrant jelly, warm cassis and blackberry pie plus touches of dried mint, mocha, smoked meats and yeast extract with a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of energy with lively red and black fruits and compelling mineral accents, finishing long with a provocative lift.