Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet

In the glass

Aroma: blueberries, dark cherry, vanilla, cassis, fresh herbs

Palate: red fruits, dark berries, velvety tannins, fresh acidity

Second wine of Pontet-Canet since 1982. Produced in limited quantities as Alfred Tesseron prefers lower yields and declassification over large second-wine production; earlier-drinking, approachable Pauillac from biodynamic-certified vineyards.

What it pairs with

• Grilled lamb with herbs
  The biodynamic fruit purity of Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet shines with simply grilled lamb; no heavy sauce needed.
• Duck rillettes with cornichons
  Accessible tannins and fresh fruit handle preserved duck charcuterie without overpowering delicate preservation.
• Roast chicken thighs with root vegetables
  Medium body and approachable structure make this an ideal everyday pairing for roasted poultry.

History

First produced in 1982. Production is intentionally modest because Tesseron family prefers lower grand vin yields over large second-wine declassification volumes. In several recent vintages the wine has not been produced at all. The estate's biodynamic certification extends to all vines.

1. 1982 — First vintage of Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet

Facts

Producer

Chateau Pontet-Canet

Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (4%)

Classification

Pauillac AOC

Oak

12 months in 30% new French oak barriques and neutral vessels

ABV

13.0%

Price

$30-55 at retail

Drinking window

3-15 from vintage

First vintage

1982

Biodynamic

Demeter Certified

Organic

ECOCERT

Vegan

Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Scores

• Wine Advocate 90 (2016 vintage, reviewed 2020)

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