2022 Chateau Pontet-Canet
Bordeaux, France| Colour | : | Red |
| Producer | : | Chateau Pontet-Canet |
| Country | : | France |
| Region | : | Bordeaux |
| Sub Region | : | Pauillac |
| Variety | : | Proprietary Blend |
| Vintage | : | 2022 |
| Capacity | : | 750 ml - Standard Bottle |
| Rating | : | James Suckling 99 pts, Decanter 97 pts, Vinous 97 pts, Wine Spectator 94 pts |
| Tasting Note | : |
Chateau Pontet-Canet is a fifth-growth classified estate in Pauillac, owned by the Tesseron family since 1975 and today one of Bordeaux's most critically lauded properties. The estate received certified biodynamic status in 2010 under former technical director Jean-Michel Comme, making it one of the very few Pauillac Crus Classes to practise full biodynamic viticulture across all 78 hectares. The 2022 is considered by owner Alfred Tesseron to be the finest wine he has ever made in 47 vintages, and multiple critics have agreed. The 2022 blend comprises 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, fermented mostly in concrete with a portion in wood, then aged in 50% new French oak barrels, 35% in amphora and the balance in once-used barrels. This tri-vessel ageing approach is unique in Pauillac and imparts a distinctive character: the Wine Advocate awarded 100 points through Jeb Dunnuck, who called it 'the finest wine from this chateau since the 2009', James Suckling awarded 99, Decanter 97, and Vinous 97 from Antonio Galloni. Wine Spectator awarded 94. Pontet-Canet has spent the past fifteen years demonstrating that a fifth-growth classification reflects historical politics rather than current quality, regularly equalling or exceeding the performance of second and third growths across major critical tastings. The 2022, in what is considered one of the great Bordeaux vintages of the century, represents a specific peak in the estate's already outstanding track record. Its combination of biodynamic farming discipline, an exceptional growing season and innovative ageing methods has produced what several critics describe as a generational wine from this address. Do not open before 2028; best from 2030 to 2060. Decant three to four hours and pair with prime rib, venison loin or aged hard cheese. Patience of at least five to eight more years is strongly recommended before opening. Deep purple, almost opaque. The bouquet is heavenly: creme de cassis, smoke, incense, leafy tobacco and chocolate, with a freshness that belies the concentration. The palate has sensational purity and a deep, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel; despite the opulence, the structure is flawless, with sweet polished tannins and a finish of extraordinary persistence. A monument of the vintage. |
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