Château Pontet-Canet 2016

Origin and background

The 2016 vintage in Pauillac benefited from a hot, dry summer followed by a cool, long autumn, ideal conditions for the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Château Pontet-Canet, a pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming, has produced a concentrated, powerful wine of great finesse, authentically reflecting the complexity of its gravelly terroir.

Tasting

Colour: Deep red, almost black, with purple highlights.

Nose: Intense and complex. Aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), spices (black pepper, liquorice), floral notes (violet), smoky nuances, tobacco, cedar and a marked mineral touch.

Palate: Full, velvety attack. Dense, silky tannic structure, ripe, well-integrated tannins. Powerful, well-balanced mid-palate with deep fruit and invigorating acidity. Long, persistent finish, marked by spicy, mineral and smoky notes.

Review

- Wine Advocate: 97/100

- Vinous (Neal Martin): 96/100

- James Suckling: 97/100

Suggested pairings

Perfect with grilled or roasted red meats (rib of beef, entrecôte, fillet of beef), roast or braised lamb (leg, loin), roast or stuffed poultry (guinea fowl, duck) and game birds. It also goes well with rich, flavoursome stews (boeuf bourguignon, daube provençale) and ripened hard or blue-veined cheeses (Comté vieux, Parmesan, Bleu d'Auvergne).