CHATEAU PONTET-CANET 5eme Grand Cru Classe Pauillac 2022 Bottle

Description

Château Pontet-Canet is a prestigious Pauillac estate, tracing its origins back to 1725 when Jean-François Pontet acquired the property. The wine was first château-bottled in 1972, and in 1975, it was sold to Guy Tesseron of the Tesseron family, renowned for luxury Cognacs. Currently managed by Alfred and Michel Tesseron, the estate spans 78 hectares, with vineyards planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (32%), and Cabernet Franc (5%). The Tesserons have significantly improved the quality, producing full-bodied wines packed with ripe, chewy black fruits and finely integrated tannins. The 2022 vintage has earned accolades, including 100 points from Wine Enthusiast for its balance and freshness, and 97 points from Decanter for its exceptional elegance and complexity.

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Château Pontet-Canet is a large Pauillac estate that can trace its origins back to 1725, when Jean-François Pontet gave his name to the estate he had acquired. The wine was not château-bottled until 1972 and in 1975 the property was sold to Guy Tesseron, of the Tesseron family, one of the finest exponents of luxury, very old, aged Cognacs (Cognac Tesseron).

The Tesserons also own Château Lafon-Rochet in St-Estephe. Today, Château Pontet-Canet is owned and run by Alfred and Michel Tesseron.

Pontet-Canet's 78 hectares of vineyards adjoin those of Mouton Rothschild and are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (32%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).

The Tesserons have vastly improved the quality of the Pontet-Canet wines which are now full-bodied and packed with ripe, chewy, black fruits and finely integrated tannins. The wines posseses marvellous ageing potential.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 100 points
The aroma is dominated by impressive black fruit flavors. The wine, dense and concentrated, is full of dark tannins, black currant fruits with great purity and youthful freshness. It is a magisterial wine with its strength and power balanced by great fruits. Drink from 2029. Organic and biodynamic. — Roger Voss

JAMES SUCKLING 99-100 Points
13 Apr, 2023 – What a finish on this Pontet-Canet. So much energy and brightness. It's full-bodied yet so tight and focused with superb fruit and transparency. It is racy and fine with super fine texture. It's like crushed cabernet sauvignon with cassis, tobacco and cigar box. Licorice and spices. Freshness of the seed. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, and 4% petit verdot.

DECANTER 97 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle
(at Bordeaux, 09 Jan 2025)
Part of Best Pauillac 2022 tasted in bottle
Drinking Window: 2029 - 2050
Dark and ripe on the nose, with deep blackcurrant, cocoa powder, and espresso notes alongside fragrant dried herbs, adding a savoury elegance. The palate is clean and crisp, offering a streamlined weight and a lovely bite to the tannins — powdery yet refined, with hints of milk chocolate and bitter orange. Restrained power meets finesse, with a touch of spice and soft warmth on the finish. Still youthful and compact, but incredibly detailed, with pure, bright fruit shining through. One of the finest Pontet-Canets in years - round, complete, and beautifully textured. Bright, finessed, and highly accessible.

VINOUS 97 points
The 2022 Pontet-Canet is a super-refined wine from the Tesseron family. It is perhaps a touch less opulent than in years past, but in exchange, it boasts more energy, focus and cut, all qualities that are so welcome here. Bright red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and mocha all build effortlessly in the glass. In 2022, Pontet Canet is shaping up to be an absolute gem. - Antonio Galloni

JANCIS ROBINSON 17++ points
Black core with purple rim. Open aromas of 'purple' fruit, intense cassis with a slightly floral edge. The palate is a shock to the system. A great block of resilient tannins saying stay away. Maybe the recent bottling has made this clam up but I would keep away from this for quite some time. (JH)