Château Pontet-Canet 2021

The concentration and finesse of a fine Pauillac wine

The estate

A 5th Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, Château Pontet-Canet has experienced an unprecedented rise to the top, and is today regarded as one of the most iconic estates of the Médoc. Led by Justine and Alfred Tesseron, Château Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the pioneers of biodynamics in the Pauillac appellation, with results that have exceeded all expectations. From vintage to vintage, the estate stands out as one of the most beautiful references on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Ecocert and Biodyvin certified for the past 11 years, Château Pontet-Canet produces fine Pauillac wines and comprises a vineyard that extends over 81 hectares. The vineyards are ploughed by draft-horse to avoid overly packing the soil. The estate is managed using a biodynamic approach. Through their hard work and vast knowledge of the vineyard, the technical teams of the estate allow the vines to fully express themselves.

The vintage

The historically mild weather in February favoured an early budburst in the vineyard from mid-March, a week earlier than the 2020 vintage. Although the proximity of the estuary protected the vineyard from the frosts on the nights of 7th and 8th of April, the vine's cycle was slowed down by the cool spring weather. Flowering was homogeneous. The rainfall, combined with low temperatures, caused run-off and increased the pressure of mildew. The high humidity levels that occurred in June had little impact on the health of the vineyard, thanks to the diligent teams at the estate and the use of therapeutic horsetail tea and wicker and borage decoctions. At the same time, the rise in temperature favoured the rapid development of the vegetation. The veraison period began on July 19th. The harvest was sequenced in order to harvest each variety at optimum maturity. Throughout October, the alternation between warm days and cool nights are ideal and helped to maximise the concentration of the grapes until the harvest.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested in a plot-by-plot manner and are sorted in the vineyard and upon arrival at the winery in order to keep only the highest quality bunches. Extractions are punctuated by light pumping over and punching down. Minimalist interventions. The wine is aged 50% in new barrels, 35% in concrete amphorae and 15% in second-fill barrels.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (58%)

Merlot (32%)

Cabernet Franc (4%)

Petit Verdot (6%).

Château Pontet-Canet 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

A winemakers' vintage, Château Pontet-Canet 2021 is seductive with its ample and intense fruity expression, along with its structured and beautifully concentrated palate.