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 2021 Pontet-Canet is an exceptional Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Pauillac region in Bordeaux, France. With a deep and vibrant red color, this wine is visually captivating and sets the stage for the sensory experience that awaits.

On the nose, the wine exudes a wild and exotic bouquet of blackberries, cloves, and Indian spices. As the wine opens up, it reveals intriguing aromas of rose petal, bruised orchard fruit, and cherry pit. These complex aromatics evolve rapidly in the glass, offering a captivating olfactory journey.

Medium to full-bodied, the 2021 Pontet-Canet is ample and fleshy on the palate. It boasts a layered mid-palate and refined tannins that assert themselves on the firm, saline finish. This wine is a true reflection of the unique character and idiosyncrasies that make it one of the Médoc's most singular offerings.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this vintage an impressive score of 96 points, praising its abundance of blackberry and blueberry flavors, complemented by notes of wet earth, crushed stone, spice, tobacco, and lead pencil. He describes the wine as full-bodied with layered tannins and a bright, chewy finish.

Jane Anson, another respected wine critic, highlights the wine's bright berry red color and nuanced aromas of blackberry and loganberry. She notes the presence of bitter black chocolate and praises the wine's precision, spice, and earthy characteristics. Anson also commends the impressive structure provided by the abundant tannins, which are shot through with sinew and juice.

The 2021 Pontet-Canet has also garnered high praise from esteemed publications such as Decanter, The Wine Advocate, Vinous, and The Wine Cellar Insider. These reviews consistently highlight the wine's fragrance, vibrancy, richness, and impressive structure.

With its exceptional quality and complex flavor profile, the 2021 Pontet-Canet is a true gem from the Pauillac region. It is a wine that showcases the expertise and dedication of the Pontet-Canet team, led by technical director Mathieu Bessonet. This vintage is a must-try for lovers of classic Pauillac clarets and those seeking a truly impressive and refined wine experience.