CHATEAU PONTET-CANET 5eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2008 MAGNUM

Description

The story of Chateau Pontet Canet is one of deep respect for nature. Located in the prestigious Pauillac appellation, the estate took a bold step toward biodynamic farming, transforming the way their vines interact with the earth. The 2008 vintage perfectly captures this period of passionate dedication.

In the glass, this Grand Cru Classe reveals beautiful layers of rich blackcurrant and dark plum, lifted by subtle hints of graphite, damp earth, and crushed stones. The palate is wonderfully concentrated, offering refined tannins and a striking freshness that speaks to the classic Bordeaux climate of that year. It is a stunning, sophisticated wine that tells a beautiful story of transformation, pairing perfectly with hearty roasted lamb or savory mushroom dishes.

*****

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points/100
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Drink Date: 2016 - 2046
A candidate for the “wine of the vintage,” Pontet Canet’s 2008 boasts an opaque purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet blueberries, blackberries and black currant fruit intertwined with lead pencil shavings, subtle barbecue smoke and a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, with fabulous richness, texture and tremendous freshness, this first-growth-like effort is more developed than the uber-powerful 2010. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. Bravo!

DECANTER 95 points/100
Tasted by: Jane Anson (at BI, London, 01 Jan 2018)
Drinking Window: 2018 - 2036
Oh, I love this! This is Pauillac distilled, flirting on the edge of ripeness with brambly cassis and dark chocolate. This is just the right mix of open and closed for me, layered and confident but not overdone. It has feathery, well brushed tannins, and firm, generous black fruits. A great Pauillac which is just starting to rev its engine. Again, it's not as concentrated and long-living as in the ripest vintages, but it's a real success with decades ahead of it.

JAMES SUCKLING 94 points/100
The minerality and floral character to this is really impressive with lots of bark, currant and dried rose character. Full body, chewy yet polished tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Made from biodynamcially grown grapes. Drink or hold.

VINOUS 94 points/100
Deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black cherry, lavender, potpourri spices and graphite minerality; high-toned and slightly liqueur-like. Then dense, seamless and vibrant in the mouth, with firm acidity giving outstanding energy to the dark fruit, floral and mineral flavors. Really spreads out on the back end and stays a while. Brilliantly delineated, complex wine with superb cut and penetration.
Stephen Tanzer, July 2011