The 2006 Pontet-Canet Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac region in Bordeaux, France, is a red wine that has garnered significant praise from multiple professional reviewers. This wine, produced by Pontet-Canet, is noted for its excellent aging potential and complex flavor profile.
According to Wine Spectator, which awarded it a score of 93, the wine boasts "blackberry currant and plum tart aromas" and a "full body with a solid core of sweet fruit and silky tannins." The review emphasizes its "generous and round richness," suggesting it is best enjoyed after 2014. This indicates that the wine has matured well over the years, enhancing its flavors and texture.
James Suckling, another respected reviewer, also gave this wine a score of 93. He describes it as "soft and fruity with plum, berry, and mineral character," highlighting its full-bodied nature and "fine tannins" that culminate in a "gorgeous finish." Suckling's review suggests that the wine is versatile, suitable for immediate consumption or further aging.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the 2006 Pontet-Canet slightly higher, with a score of 94. Neal Martin's tasting notes from May 2016 describe the wine as having an "extremely pure, vivacious, perfumed bouquet" with "crushed violets infusing the blueberry and blackberry fruit." He commends its "detail and precision," noting flavors of "lightly toasted black fruit, dried orange peel, cedar, and a pinch of white pepper." Martin praises its cohesiveness and poise, adding that it has aging potential for another 5-6 years.
Decanter gave the highest score of 95, describing the wine as "tight and unyielding at the moment, but with great pedigree, great texture and definition." They note its "poised and impactful" nature with "juicy and mouthwatering fruit," calling it "among the best of the tasting." Decanter's review underscores the wine's balance and potential for future enjoyment.
Wine Enthusiast, with a score of 92, points out that the wine currently shows "more structure than richness" with "dark and dense" tannins. They anticipate that the fruit and elegance will become more pronounced with time, suggesting strong aging potential.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated the wine 94, noting its "youthful inky hue" and complex aromas of "licorice, espresso, smoke, tobacco, truffle, plums, cocoa, and blackberry." He mentions that while the tannins still need time to soften, the layers of "fleshy, ripe fruit" make it hard not to appreciate the wine.
In summary, the 2006 Pontet-Canet has received acclaim for its rich, complex flavors and strong aging potential. With scores ranging from 92 to 95, it is a well-regarded wine that promises continued development and enjoyment for years to come.
