Chateau Pontet-Canet

In the glass

Aroma: dark cherry, blackcurrant, cassis, earth, tobacco, graphite

Palate: vivid black cherry, dark plum, boysenberry, chiselled tannins, mineral precision, spice

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.

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.

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 -- the first major Medoc Cru Classe to do so. The 2010 and 2012 vintages both earned perfect 100-point scores from Wine Advocate, establishing Pontet-Canet as one of the most exciting estates in Bordeaux.

1. 1975 — Acquired by the Tesseron family
2. 2004 — Biodynamic conversion begins under Alfred Tesseron
3. 2010 — Wine Advocate 100 points; biodynamic approach vindicated at the highest level
4. 2012 — Second consecutive Wine Advocate 100-point vintage; Demeter certification achieved two years later
5. 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)

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