Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2020 - 5ème Grand Cru Classé BIO

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This wine has become one of the most sought-after in the Médoc thanks to an extraordinary partnership between Jean-Michel Comme, a passionate and charismatic winemaker dedicated to authenticity, and Alfred Tesseron, an equally committed owner-manager willing to take any risk. Their partnership has enabled the vineyard’s conversion to organic viticulture—an inspiration to all their neighbors—and the refinement of a winemaking approach tailored to their quest for authenticity in expressing the terroir and the vintage. There is no longer a second wine; the entire harvest goes into the grand vin. In terms of style, in recent vintages, a portion aged in concrete tanks perfectly balances the oak and releases the full aromatic purity of an exceptional wine.

Decanter

About the wine:

Dark chocolate, hints of bramble, not overly floral or fruity, with some notes of cedar and cinnamon. The acidity is immediately very high; the wine is lively and energetic, with lovely crisp blue fruit on the palate and creamy tannins that lend a round, full-bodied mouthfeel. Nothing is overdone; this wine is quietly seductive and self-assured, yet it doesn’t flaunt itself at all. I love the minerality and the grip of graphite alongside plum and black cherry, along with tons of slate, licorice, and minty freshness. The finish is long, slowly expanding, building and developing from start to finish, displaying impressive structure overall. Beautifully constructed, charming, always with that touch of Pauillac. A great Pontet—immediately seductive and enjoyable with long aging potential. 2027–2048

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

The tone is set right from the first whiff, with remarkable complexity: notes of fruit, charcoal, and graphite… The wine is spectacular on the palate as well, full-bodied and vibrant, with a touch of acidity that gives it great liveliness and extends the finish. A bottle of absolute harmony.

About the estate:

Owned by the Tesseron family, Pontet-Canet owes much to the tireless work of Jean-Michel Comme, who spearheaded the transition to biodynamics and has shaped the estate’s winemaking philosophy for some thirty years. He left the estate in May 2020, handing the reins to Mathieu Bessonnet. In any case, the estate is well on its way, and there is no reason to believe it will not continue along the path it has charted. It is now up to Justine Tesseron, Alfred’s daughter and now at the helm, to keep Pontet-Canet in this league of its own. A tour of the cellar, the horse stables, and the winemaking facilities reveals just how far the château has taken its vision of excellence and respect for nature to the extreme—whether the grumblers like it or not. A pioneer, Pontet-Canet has sparked a powerful movement in the Médoc that is now setting the standard.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This wine boasts a magnificent structure and powerful balance. It strikes a perfect balance between dark fruit and the vintage’s freshness, while its texture is almost velvety. The wine is both juicy and seriously structured. Best enjoyed starting in 2027. Organic and biodynamic.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of blackcurrant and black cherries with notes of crushed nuts, toasted thyme, cocoa powder, and graphite. It is full-bodied, with layers of ultra-fine, silky tannins that elegantly coat the palate, allowing the juicy, vibrant fruit to shine. Delicate and pristine, yet compact, with plenty of energy and power to be discovered in the years ahead. It lingers for minutes and is delicious right now. The purity of the fruit is truly impressive. Best enjoyed after 2027.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

A resounding success! An expressive bouquet with hints of raspberry, camphor, and blackcurrant. A superb balance—clean, crisp, and straightforward—unfolding into a silky, refreshing palate. Exceptional tannins, with just the right amount of texture to create a very long finish. Top-notch.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Freshness defines the bouquet of Pontet-Canet. A beautiful blend of noble vegetal, floral, and fruity notes, complemented by the terroir with hints of cedar and graphite. The attack is slightly creamy and heralds a precise, elegant wine. It does not shine for its fullness, but rather for its precision. The tannins are fine-grained and in harmony with the acidity. A subtle bitterness on the finish enhances the aromatic expression and extends the finish. A truly great wine, full of finesse. 2027–2045