Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2016: best 2019 to 2031.
vintage3 yrs15 yrs17 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2020201690/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninMedium acidityDryMedium, Clean And Fruit-Forward finish

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.

How to serve Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Grilled lamb with herbs, Duck rillettes with cornichons, Roast chicken thighs with root vegetables. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

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 · visiting guide
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)

Frequently asked about Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet

What does Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet taste like?

On the nose, blueberries, dark cherry, vanilla, cassis, fresh herbs. On the palate, red fruits, dark berries, velvety tannins, fresh acidity. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium, clean and fruit-forward finish. 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.

When should I drink Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet?

Drink 3-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet?

Grilled lamb with herbs is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Duck rillettes with cornichons and Roast chicken thighs with root vegetables. The biodynamic fruit purity of Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet shines with simply grilled lamb; no heavy sauce needed.

Is Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet vegan?

Yes. The producer documents no animal-derived fining agents in production, so the wine is suitable for vegan and vegetarian drinkers.

What grapes are in Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet?

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (4%). The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon dry medium acid medium body medium tannin medium term merlot mood easygoing mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with charcuterie pairs with poultry pairs with red meat petit verdot price premium still red vegan

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