January 22, 2025
Pontet-Canet 2023 - Potential 100-Point rating
If your palate matches that of Jane Anson, the Pontet-Canet 2023 is undoubtedly a wine you'll want in your collection.
Pontet-Canet 2023
98-100 Points - “One of the wines of the vintage” - Jane Anson
Château Pontet-Canet, located in the prestigious Pauillac appellation, stands as one of the most remarkable success stories in recent Bordeaux history. Once ranked as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, this estate has undergone a transformation so profound that it now consistently rivals the quality of First Growths. The story of Pontet-Canet is not just one of tradition and terroir but also of bold innovation and meticulous dedication.
Situated next door to the esteemed Château Mouton Rothschild, Pontet-Canet has earned a reputation as one of Bordeaux’s smartest buys, consistently delivering wines of Second, or even First Growth, quality at a remarkably accessible price point. Known for its bold vision, this iconic Pauillac estate is also a trailblazer in sustainability, becoming the first major Bordeaux château to fully adopt biodynamic practices. Certified by Biodyvin in 2010 and Demeter in 2014, Pontet-Canet exemplifies a commitment to harmonious, terroir-driven viticulture, setting a new benchmark for the region.
The Bordeaux 2023 vintage stands out for its balance and precision, showcasing remarkable freshness, vibrant fruit, and excellent ageing potential across appellations. Jane Anson praises the 2023 Pontet-Canet as one of the wines of the vintage, describing it as “a wine to convince you of the quality and ripeness of Cabernet Sauvignon in Pauillac.” Impressively, Pontet-Canet was one of just four wines to receive a 98–100-point rating, alongside First Growth legends Mouton Rothschild, Haut-Brion, and Lafite Rothschild, with the potential to achieve a perfect score.
Having Pontet-Canet in your cellar is always a wise choice. While 2023 has seen some scoring variance among critics, those who align with the palates of Jane Anson or Lisa Perrotti-Brown will find the 2023 vintage a worthwhile investment for future enjoyment—especially with the potential for a perfect 100-point rating when final scores are released next year.
Prices for the 2023 vintage have decreased compared to previous years, and we’ve secured a small parcel at the release price of €75 In Bond per bottle. This represents exceptional value for a wine of such pedigree and potential.
Comparison of the top vintage of Pontet-Canet*:
*Comparison accurate at time of blog post and based on pricing from wine-searcher
Chateau Pontet-Canet 2023
98-100 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
A wine to convince you of the quality and ripeness of Cabernet Sauvignon in Pauillac in this 2023 vintage, showcasing superbly supple tannins, great balance, depth and savoury blue and black fruit character, bitter cocoa bean, freshly cut herbs, black tea, fennel, all vivid and with purity of character. There is density here but it is not overt, with heightened raspberry leaf, peony and violet aromatics. Vinified in the newly-completed section of the cellars, in egg-shaped wooden vats and sunken qveri-style clay vats. 50% new oak for ageing, with 35% amphora and 15% one year old barrels. One of the wines of the vintage. New lighter bottle as of the 2022 around 490g, down from 815g in the past, 30 tonnes of CO2 saved just in terms of production. Harvest September 7, one day earlier than 2022, then slow picking through to October 10, later than many in Pauillac - and normal yields of around 40hl/h.
97-99 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2023 Pontet-Canet is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of juicy blueberries, black cherries, and blackcurrant jelly spill from the glass, giving way to nuances of violets, black truffle, fertile loam, and mossy tree bark with a hint of cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is so, so silky, elegant, and fine, with perfumed black and blue fruit layers and beautiful tension, finishing long with lots of shimmery mineral and floral sparkles. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 50% new oak, 35% amphorae, and 15% used barrels. With an alcohol this year of just 13.8%, this is a beautifully poised, tightly packed powerhouse that promises to keep the firework displays bedazzling collectors for many years to come.