The 2014 Pontet-Canet is a Bordeaux blend from the Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Pontet-Canet, is cork-sealed with an alcohol content of 13.5%. The varietal breakdown consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.
This vintage has garnered impressive reviews across multiple notable publications. James Suckling awarded it a near-perfect score of 98, describing it as "a stunning wine for this vintage" with a complex finish that "goes on and on." This speaks volumes about the wine's quality and potential. Similarly, Jeb Dunnuck gave it a 96, praising its "full-bodied richness" and "sweet, succulent tannin," declaring it a 2014 that "might just surpass what they accomplished in 2015."
The wine's tasting profile is characterized by a variety of nuanced aromas and flavors. According to Wine Spectator, the 2014 Pontet-Canet features "well-steeped blackberry, plum and black currant fruit" with a "notable menthol note" and a "slightly loamy structure." This description is echoed by Vinous, which mentioned its "greater mineralité seeping through the black cherry and cassis fruit" and described it as "a fine example of the vintage."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate highlighted the wine's "very serious, classic Pauillac nose of blackcurrant preserves, baked blackberries, and warm black plums." The review also noted its "bold freshness" and "long, exotic spice-laced finish," suggesting it will become even more impressive with a few more years of aging.
The Wine Enthusiast praised its "finely structured" nature with "dark tannins and intense black fruits," attributing its purity to the estate's biodynamically grown fruit. Furthermore, Decanter complimented its "lovely fruit purity of cassis, red and black berry," while Jane Anson recognized its "Pauillac definition and punch," calling it a "clear step upwards" from previous vintages.
One notable fact about this vintage is that it marks the first year the estate received Demeter certification for biodynamic farming, a point highlighted by both Jeff Leve and Jane Anson. This certification underscores the estate's commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices.
In summary, the 2014 Pontet-Canet is a highly regarded Bordeaux blend that has received exceptional reviews for its complexity, structure, and aging potential. With accolades from critics and a biodynamic certification, it stands as a noteworthy example of the quality and craftsmanship associated with Pontet-Canet.