Chateau Pontet-Canet is a Fifth Growth Bordeaux wine estate owned by the Tesseron family (of Cognac fame) since 1975. The estate is a rarity in the Medoc, having known only three owners over a course of three centuries.

The vineyard spans 81 hectares in Pauillac, atop an outcropping of Garonne gravel over limestone. After a first trial in 2004, which took place on 14 hectares, Pontet-Canet fully converted the estate to biodynamic agriculture. They obtained organic certification from Ecocert, biodynamic certification from Biodyvin in 2010, and from Demeter in 2014.

Alfred Tesseron uses horses to plow the vineyards of Pontet Canet since they are gentler and lighter than tractors. Because the horses never step in the same place twice, the soils are always aerated in different parts, bringing much needed oxygen to the soil.

The vines have an average age of 40 to 45 years. Their varietal plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and three parcels of Petit Verdot (2%).

Chateau Pontet-Canet is bright and brilliant with full-bodied fruit, yet finesse, in the mouth. It expresses energy, tension and intensity.

The fruit is fermented with native yeast in semi-conical concrete tanks that facilitate punch-downs. The wine then macerates for an additional four weeks before being removed from the pomace for maturation. One-third of the wine is aged in large, concrete amphorae, designed expressly for Pontet-Canet. The rest ages in French oak barrels.

The 2020 Pontet-Canet Bordeaux Blend from Pauillac, France, is a well-regarded red wine produced by Pontet-Canet. The wine is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, with an alcohol content of 13%. The wine is aged using a mix of 50% new oak, 35% concrete amphorae, and 15% old oak.

James Suckling scores this wine an impressive 98 points, highlighting its "aromas of blackcurrants and black cherries with hints of crushed walnuts, grilled thyme, cocoa powder, and graphite." He commends its "layers of ultra-fine, silky tannins" and notes that it has "lots of energy and power to uncover in the coming years." Suckling suggests trying the wine after 2027.

Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates the wine 98 points, mentioning its aging process in a blend of new French oak barriques, concrete amphorae, and one-year-old barrels. The review provides detailed harvest dates, noting that the Merlot was harvested starting on September 14, and the final lot of Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on September 30.

Decanter also gives this wine a high score of 97 points, emphasizing its "dark chocolate, bramble tones" along with "cedar and cinnamon notes." The review praises its "lovely high acidity" and "creamy textured tannins," calling the wine "quietly seductive and confident."

Wine Enthusiast echoes the praise with another 97-point review, noting the wine's "magnificent structure and balance." The review describes the wine as "juicy and seriously structured at the same time," with a texture that is "almost velvet." The wine is also noted for being organic and biodynamic.

Jane Anson, also rating it 97 points, describes the wine as having a "powerful character" with "oyster shell, soy, salinity," and a "violet character." She highlights its "tannic grip and heft" and mentions that this is the first full vintage under Mathieu Bessonnet.

Vinous scores the wine 95 points, describing it as "potent" and "brooding" with a "dark and somber" profile. The review notes that "aeration gradually brings out floral top notes that convey freshness."

Lastly, Jeb Dunnuck rates the wine 97 points, calling it "a beauty" with a "great nose of dark currants, plums, tobacco leaf, and truffly earth." He praises its "full-bodied richness" and "layered, seamless mouthfeel."

Overall, the 2020 Pontet-Canet Bordeaux Blend is highly acclaimed, with several reviewers noting its complexity, balance, and potential for long-term aging.