The estate
The 5th Pauillac Grand Cru Classé, Château Pontet-Canet has experienced a spectacular ascension to becoming one of the most iconic brands of the Médoc region. Managed by Justine and Alfred Tesseron, Château Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in the Pauillac appellation, with results that exceed all expectations. From one vintage to the next, the estate has become one of the finest references on the left bank of Bordeaux.
The vineyard
Certified Ecocert and Biodyvin since 2010, the Château Pontet-Canet vineyard, which covers 81 hectares, is managed in a way that respects both the vines and the surrounding environment. Horses are used on the vines in order to avoid soil compaction. Biodynamics are carried out on the estate. Thanks to their work and their perfect understanding of the vineyard, the estate's technical teams enable the vines to reach their full potential.
The vintage
The 2017 vintage was marked by an episode of frost at the end of April, which had little impact on the vineyard due to the protective influence of the Gironde estuary. The growing cycle took place under good weather conditions, with flowering occurring in mid-May and veraison in early July. Despite a few rainy spells during the month of September, the grapes were perfectly healthy and harvested at full maturity.
This 2017 vintage was made in new facilities. The 32 concrete tanks of 40 hl each enable the wine to be put into tanks and vinified exclusively with human hands, without machines and without noise.
The blend
Château Pontet-Canet 2017 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (2%).
The tasting
Colour
Glossy, the colour is a beautiful deep purple.
Nose
Fresh and balanced, the nose combines fruity and floral fragrances with a smooth minerality.
Palate
Harmonious, this wine seduces the palate with its fine tannins, its depth and its beautiful length.
Composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pontet-Canet gives up beautifully fragrant notes of rosehip tea, lilacs, cinnamon stick, cloves, dried leaves and underbrush with a core of kirsch, raspberry coulis, warm plums and red and black currants plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing, minerally and wonderfully elegant with a well-played texture of approachable, plush tannins and a long, fragrant finish. Beautiful. Aging took place in 50% new and 15% in second fill barrels and the remaining 35% in amphorae for 16 months, much of the material for which came from the soil at Pontet-Canet!