An Exceptional Pauillac Grand Cru Classé
A Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, the magnificent Château Pontet-Canet has confirmed with this new 2018 vintage its position as a must-try reference of this prestigious appellation, located on the left bank of Bordeaux.
Following a rainy spring, the drastic change in weather conditions at the beginning of the summer, combined with very light rains, resulted in much lower yields than usual (1/3 of the usual harvest).
2018 also marked the first 100% manually destemmed harvest. The 2018 harvest was vinified in the brand new Château Pontet-Canet vat room. The property is now home to 40hl tanks which do not have any angles, in order to protect the magnetic fields of the juice. Each plot was vinified separately, and allowed to fully express its personality and contribute to the final style of the wine.
The Château Pontet-Canet 2018 was matured in new oak barrels (55%) while the rest of the ageing was done in concrete amphora (45%). The Château Pontet-Canet 2018 is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (3%).
Parker : 97-99+ / 100
J. Robinson : 16,5 / 20
Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2018 Pontet-Canet is made up of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Picking began on September 24 and finished on October 5; aging is in 55% oak barriques and 45% amphorae. Very deep purple-black in color, it comes rolling sensuously out of the glass with all the opulence and seduction of Cleopatra on a carpet. It emerges with flamboyant scents of crème de cassis, preserved plums and blueberry compote, and after a few moments, it bursts with nuances of molten licorice, sandalwood, Chinese five spice, candied violets, dark chocolate and dried roses, followed by underlying earthy suggestions of fallen leaves, black truffles, underbrush and wild sage. Full-bodied, wonderfully dense, rich, impossibly layered and very, very decadent, the palate delivers all it promises on the nose, with a firm, wonderfully velvety frame and finishing with epic length, a scintillating wave of freshness and a beguiling perfume. This is one for true hedonists.
