Chateau Pontet-Canet 2021

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.

98 Points - James Suckling

Aromas of blackcurrants and black cherries with hints of crushed walnuts, grilled thyme, cocoa powder and graphite. It’s full-bodied with layers of ultra-fine, silky tannins that elegantly coat your palate, allowing the juicy and vibrant fruit to shine. Delicate and pristine, yet compact with lots of energy and power to uncover in the coming years. It lasts for minutes and is delicious now. The purity of fruit is really impressive. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged in 50% new oak, 15% old oak, and 35% concrete amphorae.

Try after 2027.

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Pure berry fruit and cedar aromas, the wine has great purity. It is a straight line of freshness as well as black-currant fruits and ripe acidity. The wine is beautifully textured and firm at its core.

95 Points - Decanter

Gorgeous fragrance on the nose, so perfumed and floral, really vibrant, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot clearly expressed. Juicy blackcurrant and black cherry fruit are supported by spice and minerality. Fine-grained tannins provide structure while freshness and creamy texture give the palate lift and refinement. A classic yet expressive Pauillac with excellent balance and terroir character. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Barrel Sample: 95

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, tobacco, and graphite emerge from the 2021 Chateau Pontet-Canet, a richer, medium- to full-bodied Pauillac with polished, building tannins, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It develops classic Pauillac lead pencil notes with air and will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age while evolving gracefully over the next two decades. The blend is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Offering wild, exotic aromas of blackberries, cloves, Indian spices, rose petal, bruised orchard fruit, and cherry pit, the 2021 Pontet-Canet is medium- to full-bodied, ample, and layered, with refined tannins asserting themselves on the firm, saline finish. One of the Medoc's most distinctive wines, it will be fascinating to follow its evolution in bottle.

Barrel Sample: 91-93

92 Points - Wine Spectator

A dark, winey offering, with steeped black cherry and black currant fruit melding with warm earth, alder, and cast iron accents through the focused finish. Shows impressive grip and depth with little sign of the vintage's lighter character.

Best from 2026 through 2038.