Château PONTET-CANET 2016
In Pauillac, Château Pontet-Canet occupies a vast vineyard of deep gravel soils located facing the Gironde estuary, in an area particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon. Fifth Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the estate has belonged to the Tesseron family since 1975 and has undergone profound transformation under the impetus of Alfred Tesseron. The property has notably distinguished itself by an early conversion to biodynamics, accompanied by a return to soil work, a strong reduction in inputs, and a constant search for balance between the vine and its environment. The gravel rests on more clayey and calcareous horizons, offering both drainage and water reserve. The Cabernet Sauvignon develops a straight and deep structure there, while the Merlot brings more flesh and velvety texture. The 2016 vintage, exceptional in Médoc, combined a dry summer with an ideal end of season, allowing to obtain grapes that are both ripe, concentrated, and particularly fresh. Pontet-Canet 2016 thus stands out for its depth, tannic precision, and remarkable energy.
Château Pontet-Canet 2016 blends 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine, with a clear expression of blackcurrant, graphite, and fine spices. Merlot adds more volume to the mid-palate and contributes to the sensation of velvety texture. Cabernet Franc refines the whole with a more floral and fresher dimension, while Petit Verdot reinforces depth and the spicy register. The different lots are vinified with precise and measured extractions to preserve the finesse of the tannic grain. The aging uses several types of containers, including barrels and amphorae, to limit the wood imprint and preserve the expression of the terroir as much as possible. The 2016 still has a young structure, but its balance and freshness give it considerable potential for evolution.
The color shows a very deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, accompanied by violet, graphite, and licorice. With aeration, blond tobacco, cocoa, spices, and a fine floral dimension gradually appear, enhancing the complexity of the bouquet. The palate is dense but remarkably fluid, with tight and very fine tannins that give depth without harshness. Cabernet Sauvignon brings great length, while Merlot rounds the mid-palate and adds more flesh. The finish is long, fresh, and persistent, on black fruits, graphite, spices, and a slight smoky note. Château Pontet-Canet 2016 will accompany a roasted rack of lamb, a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, pigeon, royal hare, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
