Château Pontet-Canet 2011

Neal Martin 93: “Tasted at the Pontet-Canet vertical in London, the 2011 Château Pontet Canet must constitute one of the best wines on the Left Bank, even if it does not quite live up to its stellar performance from barrel. Lucid purple in color, the bouquet leaps from the glass and yells "Pauillac" - thanks to its graphite seam interwoven through the black fruit. Over ten minutes, tobacco scents join the fray and it develops what you might call "mint fresh" aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied and remains understated on the entry, perhaps exaggerated by the exuberance of the nose. However, there is no question that this is a refined, pure and seamless Pontet-Canet with crème de cassis and cedar inter-layered on the sustained finish. Bon vin. Tasted February 2016.”

Robert Parker 93+: “Proprietor Alfred Tesseron-s 2011 Pontet-Canet is packaged in an engraved, heavy bottle, which only adds to the attractiveness of this beauty. A dense purple color is accompanied by notes of forest floor, acacia flowers and creme de cassis in this full, rich, and unequivocally classic Pauillac. With soft but noticeable tannins as well as a complete, full-bodied mouthfeel, this 2011 will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. Bravo!”

Tim Atkin MW 96: “A lighter wine than 2010’s brilliant effort, but the team at this stellar fifth growth has interpreted the vintage with honesty and no little skill. Perfumed, serious and structured, with flavours of fruitcake and vanilla and fine tannins. Late picking and rigorous selection was the key to success here, confirming Pontet-Canet’s status as a super second in all but name. 12+ years.”