Chateau Pontet-Canet Pauillac (Grand Cru Classe) 2018

There are a handful of châteaux in 2011 that surpass the quality of certain of the First Growths and Pontet-Canet is certainly in that elite group. It has a sweet richness and exotic weight that totally defies the vintage. Creamy, yet plump and fruity with such purity and freshness it really does take your breath away. I wouldn’t say it’s better or worse than 2010 or 2009, just that it has exceptional quality and it’s different. Cooler, possibly more elegant but just as rewarding. I described Lynch-Bages, its neighbour, as Led Zeppelin, in their pomp of the early 1970’s. If that’s the case, Pontet-Canet must be Pink Floyd a few years later, not quite as rock 'n roll, but slightly more mellow and considered. But, as no music collection would be devoid of either band, no collection of great wine cannot have either châteaux in. Both radiant, powerful and essential. Superb.

A dark garnet red shading almost to black, the wine has a precise, complex nose on aromas of black fruit, violet and spice. Succulent and dense on the attack, underpinned by powerful yet creamy tannins, it opens up on the palate to reveal fresh and mineral notes which bring radiant length. Definitely more than a Pauillac, this 2018 is a great Pontet-Canet that may be enjoyed young or in several years’ time.