2011 Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 12x75cl

Robert Parker 93

Tasted at the Pontet-Canet vertical in London, the 2011 Château Pontet Canet must constitute one of the best wines on the Left Bank, even if it does not quite live up to its stellar performance from barrel. Lucid purple in color, the bouquet leaps from the glass and yells “Pauillac” – thanks to its graphite seam interwoven through the black fruit. Over ten minutes, tobacco scents join the fray and it develops what you might call “mint fresh” aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied and remains understated on the entry, perhaps exaggerated by the exuberance of the nose. However, there is no question that this is a refined, pure and seamless Pontet-Canet with crème de cassis and cedar inter-layered on the sustained finish. Bon vin. Tasted February 2016. [28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2038

JancisRobinson.com 16/20

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit‐Verdot. Quite animal nose. Treacly. Thick and a bit metallic. Still quite chewy. Very dry end. Not the most mellifluous combo but clearly trying to do something different. [02/05/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2030