Chateau Pontet-Canet 2016

Chateau Pontet-Canet is a biodynamically farmed Pauillac classified as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends and matured in French oak and concrete amphorae, it offers cassis, graphite, cedar, violets, and refined tannins with exceptional depth and remarkable aging potential.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roast lamb, prime rib, venison, duck breast, and aged hard cheeses.

100 Points - Wine Enthusiast

A voluptuous wine, this is rich and fruity yet properly balanced by a magnificent structure. Pure, crisp and packed with a black currant flavor, this will be a remarkable wine as it develops. Still young, it needs many years to develop. Don’t think about drinking before 2025.

Editors' Choice

99 Points - Vinous

The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking. Powerful, ample and racy in the glass, the 2016 is one of the most exquisitely well-balanced young Pontet-Canets I can remember tasting. Savory, high-toned aromatics and brisk mineral notes lend energy and delineation as this vivid, wonderfully alive wine opens up in the glass. The flavors are dark and incisive, but it is the wine's total sense of harmony that is most compelling. All of the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 is tremendous. It's as simple as that.

-Antonio Galloni

98 Points - Decanter

The 2016 is a vintage that shows off the best of Pontet, and is similar in feel to their 2010. Gorgeously rich from the first nose, it opens with waves of tight black fruits, redcurrant, liquorice and aniseed, fine tannins and mouthwatering salinity. It remains beautifully balanced while retaining the punch and concentration of Pauillac, and will clearly age with grace and ease.

Drinking Window: 2026-2042

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Reminding me of the 2010, the 2016 Chateau Pontet-Canet is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, aged for 16 months in 50% new French oak, 35% concrete amphora, and the remainder in second-fill oak. Thrilling notes of creme de cassis, lead pencil, crushed mint, graphite, and crushed rock emerge from this deep, powerful yet elegant Pauillac. It needs 7-8 years of cellaring and will keep for 40-50 years.

98 Points - James Suckling

Vivid and distinctly aromatic with herbs, thyme and menthol. Concentrated, precise and chiseled with a medium- to full-bodied palate. Great detail and linear fruit make this captivating now, though it will continue to age beautifully.

Drink or Hold. 10 Years On Retrospective.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Pontet-Canet opens with Black Forest cake, creme de cassis, blueberry pie, candied violets, hoisin, chocolate mint, charcuterie, forest floor, and star anise. Full-bodied, rich, profoundly layered, and powerfully fruited, it is built with very firm, grainy tannins and harmonious freshness, finishing with incredible length and depth. It remains incredibly youthful and may well earn a perfect score with further bottle age.

95 Points - Wine Spectator

Sappy and rich, with waves of red and black currant preserves, raspberry, and bitter plum coulis. The finish carries sweet tobacco, anise, and brambly notes, with vibrant energy as the fruit and tannins come together.

Best from 2023 through 2038.