November 5, 2024
2018 Pontet-Canet - a hedonists dream
Pontet-Canet outshined it’s Fifth Growth classification to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Bordeaux’s finest, including the prestigious Mouton Rothschild. This is a winery we wholeheartedly endorse, and we encourage you to take a moment to learn more about the remarkable work and dedication that define this Chateau.
Chateau Pontet-Canet is a unique blend of tradition and modern innovation. Established in 1705 by Jean-Francois de Pontet and recognised as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Medoc Classification, its story truly transformed when Alfred Tesseron took over in 1994. Under Alfred’s leadership and with the insight of estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, the vineyard embraced organic and biodynamic practices, becoming the first major Bordeaux estate to be certified organic by Biodyvin in 2010 and biodynamic by Demeter in 2014.
Set on 81 hectares of prime Pauillac land, including gravel soils extending from the prestigious Lafite Rothschild plateau, the estate's vines average around 50 years in age. Pontet-Canet’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its methods: horses plough the fields to prevent soil compaction, and a tranquil "herbal tearoom" on-site is used to craft natural vine treatments. This dedication to eco-friendly viticulture, combined with a respect for history and craftsmanship, ensures Pontet-Canet remains at the forefront of Bordeaux excellence.
Alfred Tesseron’s commitment to sustainability and purity at Pontet-Canet has driven innovation, including using custom clay amphorae since 2012. These amphorae, containing gravel and limestone, preserve grape purity, complementing oak barrels for ageing. The 2017 eco-friendly cellar introduced natural insulation and unique, Golden Mean-inspired concrete tanks, enhancing natural fermentation processes.
“All winemaking was done manually, without the aid of external temperature control or electricity. Put in another way, if Lalou Bize-Leroy made Bordeaux, it would taste like this” - Antonio Galloni
The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a challenging start with heavy rains and mildew, followed by an exceptionally hot and dry summer that yielded ripe, concentrated fruit. Chateau Pontet-Canet 2018 embodies the best of this vintage, showcasing depth and complexity. This biodynamically produced wine is rich with layers of black fruit, graphite, and floral notes, supported by polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Its structure promises long-term ageing potential, making it a standout in the estate’s lineage.
The 2018 vintage received impressive scores from critics, with Wine Advocate awarding it 98 points, tying it as the estate’s second-highest rated vintage alongside 2016 (98+ points). Only the 2009 and 2010 vintages, which scored a perfect 100 points, rank higher but come at nearly double the price of the 2018.
We highly recommend adding the 2018 vintage of this remarkable Chateau to your cellar, as it’s one of our favourites.
Pontet Canet 2018
98 Points | Wine Advocate
The 2018 Pontet-Canet is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 55% oak barriques and 45% amphorae. Deep garnet-purple colored, it explodes from the glass with an atomic perfume of raspberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles, rose oil and Chinese five spice, giving way to suggestions of cinnamon stick, dusty soil, pencil lead and underbrush. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate is a hedonist's dream, delivering layer-upon-layer of black and red berry preserves with loads of fragrant accents, a beautifully firm yet plush texture and tons of freshness, finishing long with a whole firework display of exotic spices. This is pretty much out-of-the-gate delicious, but it has the backbone to evolve over three decades or more.
98 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
When I tasted the 2018 Pontet-Canet in barrel I described it as a "freak of nature." The 2018 is more than that, it is a freak of nature. Made from yields of just ten hectoliters per hectare, the 2018 possesses off the charts richness, phenomenal balance and head-spinning intensity. Crushed red berries, flowers, mint, cedar and rose petal saturate the palate in a Pauillac of breath-taking richness. The silkiest of tannins frame the phenomenally pure, long finish. This is a towering achievement from the Tesseron family and former Technical Director Jean-Michel Comme, who together spearheaded biodynamic farming in Bordeaux and built the present-day estate around a philosophy of non-interventionalist winemaking. In 2018, grapes were crushed solely by hand. Because of the tiny yields, the entire production was vinified in Pontet-Canet's new smaller concrete vats. All winemaking was done manually, without the aid of external temperature control or electricity. Put in another way, if Lalou Bize-Leroy made Bordeaux, it would taste like this.
98 Points | James Suckling
A complex nose of blueberries, elderberries, dried fruit, spice and dark chocolate. It’s full-bodied with a harmonious, balanced texture. The tannins are still firm and powerful, but there’s balance and finesse to the whole thing. Tight and reserved, yet long and energetic. The tannins open slowly. Dusty texture. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2024.
97+ Points| Jeb Dunnuck
An unevolved, almost primordial 2018, the 2018 Château Pontet Canet sports a dense purple hue as well as loads of blue and black fruits, damp earth, tobacco, candied violets, and graphite-laced aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, serious mid-palate depth, and building tannins, it's mostly potential at this point, but it's a beautiful wine in the making. A decade of bottle age is going to be required, though, so it's not for those seeking instant gratification.