The 2017 Pontet-Canet Bordeaux Blend is a well-regarded red wine from the Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. It is produced by Pontet-Canet and sealed with a cork closure. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.0% and boasts a medium to deep garnet-purple color.
This vintage is composed primarily of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It underwent 16 months of aging, with 50% in new barrels, 35% in amphora, and the remaining 15% in second-fill barrels. This blend and aging process contribute to its complexity and elegance.
Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded the wine 95 points, noting its floral aroma with hints of licorice, cocoa, crème de cassis, and tobacco. He praised its vibrant, silky, and sensuous profile, commenting on the sweet, juicy fruit sensations and a finish marked by length, purity, and poise.
Jeb Dunnuck rated it 93 points, describing it as an "exceedingly elegant" Pontet-Canet with classic Pauillac notes of blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, lead pencil shavings, new leather, and flowery incense. He highlighted its depth of fruit, ultra-fine tannins, and beautiful purity, suggesting it would improve with 5-6 years of aging.
James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast both gave it an excellent score of 96 points. Suckling described it as having "ethereal transparency" with a nose of fresh red berries, cherry, terra cotta, and dried flowers. He noted the detailed tannin texture and long, fresh finish. Wine Enthusiast highlighted the wine's "pure, opulent blackberry fruits and balanced acidity," noting its potential for aging.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it 96 points, pointing out its fragrant notes of rosehip tea, lilacs, cinnamon stick, and cloves, along with kirsch, raspberry coulis, warm plums, and red and black currants. The publication emphasized its refreshing, minerally, and elegant palate with plush tannins and a long, fragrant finish.
Wine Spectator and Decanter provided scores of 94 and 95 points, respectively. Wine Spectator mentioned its tight structure with notes of wet stone, plum pit, and chalky minerality, suggesting it would benefit from cellaring. Decanter highlighted its rich fruit, cinnamon, and smoke, praising its vertical slate texture and minerality.
Jane Anson and The Wine Independent each gave it 94 and 96 points. Anson noted its elegance and finesse, with a complex mix of blue and red fruits, Pauillac graphite, eucalyptus, black tea, and pencil lead. The Wine Independent praised its vibrant black and red fruit layers, ripe tannins, and gorgeous freshness, calling it a "pretty wine."
Overall, the 2017 Pontet-Canet is a well-balanced and elegant wine with high praise from multiple reviewers, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.