Professional reviews
Robert Parker (97)
Meeting the expectations set at the en primeur tastings, the 2023 Pontet-Canet wafts from the glass with a vibrant, perfumed bouquet of cassis, mulberries, rose petals, pencil shavings and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, seamless and pure, it is layered and precise, framed by filigreed tannins and delivering a powerful yet controlled profile that extends into a long, crystalline, licorice-inflected finish. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, it signals a new aesthetic era for the estate, marked by greater purity, brightness and precision.
James Suckling (98)
A crunchy and vivid Pontet Canet with aromas of blueberries, blackberries, roses, violets and some sandalwood and graphite. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are long and caressing. Creamy texture, with crushed stones and light cement. Lots of energy at the end. Very approachable and long. Turns chewy and silky, with a bright and vivid finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Drink in three or four years.
Vinous (98)
The 2023 Pontet-Canet envelops the palate with silky tannins as hints of vibrant red-toned fruit, crushed flowers, spice and dried herbs fill out the layers. The 2023 is an exceptionally finessed Pontet-Canet. This is the first vintage in which the Grand Vin was blended early—in December following the harvest—as opposed to just before bottling, which had been the norm. That's one of many changes that resulted in a striking wine endowed with superb finesse. Tasted two times.
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
A serious, age-worthy Pauillac, the 2023 Château Pontet-Canet is based on 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new French oak, 35% amphora, and the rest in once-used barrels. Its deep purple hue is followed by a classic 2023 style in its aromatics and texture, with black cherries, ripe blue fruits, smoke, tobacco leaf, loamy earth, graphite, and beautiful floral nuances. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, pretty mouthfeel, remarkable elegance and purity, plenty of fine tannins, and a great finish. It already offers pleasure given its purity and vibrancy, but smart money will hide bottles for 5-7 years. It will see its 40th birthday in fine form. Drink 2030-2065.
