In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, blackcurrant, cassis, earth, tobacco, graphite
Palate: vivid black cherry, dark plum, boysenberry, chiselled tannins, mineral precision, spice
Pauillac Cinquieme Cru Classe (1855); achieved full Demeter biodynamic certification in 2014, an early date among classified Medoc estates. Distinctive use of amphorae alongside barrique ageing. The wines combine Pauillac's classical structure with a biodynamic freshness and earth energy distinctive to the estate.
What it pairs with
-
Roasted rack of lamb with black olive tapenade
Pontet-Canet's biodynamic precision and cassis intensity pair with the mineral and savoury tapenade; lamb's sweetness anchors the frame. -
Braised beef short rib with bone marrow gremolata
The wine's powerful tannin architecture and dark fruit intensity need the richness of slow-braised beef. -
Wild boar with juniper and rosehip
Biodynamic Pontet-Canet's earthy complexity, mineral core, and dark fruit are designed for game; juniper amplifies the wine's wild herb register. -
Truffled potato gratin
In outstanding vintages, the wine develops truffle and forest floor notes that connect with truffle-based dishes elegantly.
How to serve Chateau Pontet-Canet
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roasted rack of lamb with black olive tapenade, Braised beef short rib with bone marrow gremolata, Wild boar with juniper and rosehip. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Tesseron family acquired Pontet-Canet in 1975. Alfred Tesseron began the conversion to biodynamics in 2004; the estate received Biodyvin certification in 2010 and full Demeter certification in 2014, an early date among classified Medoc estates. The 2010 and 2012 vintages drew top-tier critic reviews from Wine Advocate (reviewer-points tuples on scores array), raising the estate's commercial standing among biodynamic Pauillacs.
- 1975 — Acquired by the Tesseron family
- 2004 — Biodynamic conversion begins under Alfred Tesseron
- 2010 — 2010 vintage drew top-tier critic review from Wine Advocate (reviewer-points tuples on scores array)
- 2012 — 2012 vintage drew further top-tier critic reviews from Wine Advocate (reviewer-points tuples on scores array); full Demeter certification two years later
- 2014 — Full Demeter biodynamic certification; first major Medoc Cru Classe to achieve this
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Pontet-Canet
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (2%)
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC, Cinquieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)
- Oak
- 14 to 16 months in 50% new barrels, 35% amphora, 15% once-used wood
- ABV
- 13.1%
- Price
- $80-180 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-40 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1975
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- ECOCERT
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Advocate 100 (2010 vintage, reviewed 2013)
- Wine Advocate 100 (2012 vintage, reviewed 2015)
Frequently asked about Chateau Pontet-Canet
What does Chateau Pontet-Canet taste like?
On the nose, dark cherry, blackcurrant, cassis, earth, tobacco. On the palate, vivid black cherry, dark plum, boysenberry, chiselled tannins, mineral precision. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a extraordinary length; tannins of incredible precision finish. The leading biodynamic estate in Bordeaux and the only Fifth Growth that regularly receives 100-point scores. Demeter-certified since 2014; unique use of amphorae alongside barrique ageing. The wines combine Pauillac's classical structure with a biodynamic freshness and earth energy not found elsewhere in the Medoc.
When should I drink Chateau Pontet-Canet?
Drink 10-40 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau Pontet-Canet?
Roasted rack of lamb with black olive tapenade is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Braised beef short rib with bone marrow gremolata and Wild boar with juniper and rosehip. Pontet-Canet's biodynamic precision and cassis intensity pair with the mineral and savoury tapenade; lamb's sweetness anchors the frame.
Is Chateau 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 Chateau Pontet-Canet?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (2%). The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC, Cinquieme Cru Classe (1855 classification).