2017 Pontet Canet
By Chateau Pontet Canet
2017 Pontet Canet from Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Chateau Pontet Canet's wine-making narrative, steeped in both tradition and innovation, presents us with a particularly enthralling chapter in the form of the 2017 Pontet Canet. This vintage, sculpted by a Pauillac climate that challenged even the most dedicated vintners, stands as a testament to the astuteness of this earnest estate.
A Study in Resilience: The 2017 Vintage
The year was not without its vicissitudes; frost in the spring posed a considerable threat, yet Chateau Pontet Canet navigated these perils with commendable foresight. The resultant yield, albeit smaller in quantity, is replete with concentrated flavours that investors and connoisseurs alike will find intriguingly complex.
The 2017 Pontet Canet reveals an intimate kaleidoscope of dark fruit, underlined by a vein of freshness that belies its strength—a vivid portrayal of its terroir. The structured tannins mingle with subtle oak nuances, a reminder of the estate’s adept use of biodynamic practices and judicious vinification in amphora.
Redefining Equity: Investment Potential
In terms of investment potential, it is imperative to spotlight that this vintage offers both an accessible entry point into the world of premium Bordeaux and promising longevity. Given its resolution against climatic hardships and the estate's rising cachet amongst informed collectors, it possesses notable growth potential over time.
With each sip, the 2017 Pontet Canet unfurls layers of blackcurrant, pencil lead and a hint of menthol—all harmonised to deliver an exquisite palate experience that resonates with the year's unique character. The wine’s refinement and balance ensure it will mature gracefully, peaking in complexity as it integrates further in bottle.
In essence, this is a wine that captures the resilience of its vintage and the dedication to excellence of Chateau Pontet Canet. It stands as an eloquent beacon for enthusiasts seeking out a robust yet deftly crafted Pauillac with credible investment appeal. The 2017 Pontet Canet deserves careful consideration for addition to any discerning portfolio or cellar collection.
Market price (CAD)
$1,401.34
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
49.53
Scores and tasting notes
This is incredibly transparent and refined with blackcurrant, blueberry and mineral character. Full-bodied, layered and ethereal. Tannins have a crushed-stone character. Long and persistent.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Blended of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pontet-Canet opens with vibrant wild blueberries, black raspberries and crushed plums with notions of cinnamon stick, violets, unsmoked cigars and pencil lead plus wafts of roses, lavender and tilled black soil. Medium-bodied with very fine, incredibly plush tannins, it is deliciously savory in the mouth, with wonderful freshness and spectacular energy delivering many layers, resulting in a very long, mineral-laced finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
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!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
The 2017 Pontet-Canet showed progressively better on each of the three occasions I tasted it. Deep, pliant and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2017 exudes class. Dark red cherry, plum, pomegranate, licorice and rose petal infuse this super-expressive and highly nuanced wine from proprietor Alfred Tesseron and technical director Jean-Michel Comme. Harvest ran from September 18 through October 4. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and is aging in 50% new oak, 35% amphora and 15% one year old oak. Tasted three times.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Pontet Canet has a very ripe and pure, slightly high-toned bouquet with touches of iodine inflecting the black cherry and cassis fruit. There is a subtle floral aspect to this Pontet-Canet, more iris than violet. With aeration there are hints of graphite and crushed stone, some of its initial opulence ebbing away. The palate is medium-bodied with fine balance on the entry, slightly chalky tannin, a fine sense of energy and poise. On the two readings of this wine, this was perhaps the most difference. The mid-April tasting had a very similar nose however, the palate demonstrated far more backbone, linearity and mineralité, not to mention a sapidity that was not present in the showing at the end of March. Ah yes, that’s the Pontet I love. I expect this to land at the upper end of my banded score once in bottle. Tasted twice at the property.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
Starts off high-pitched but fills out steadily, featuring red currant and crushed plum fruit carried by fresh acidity and a bright iron note. Reveals a lingering savory streak on the finish. Built on purity rather than density, with the minerality lingering.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com