2008 Pontet Canet
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Tasting notes
Tasted at the estate a few months ago (blind against the five 1855 First Growths, where it more than held its own), and again at home within the same week as this vertical. A great vintage to look out for, with brushed velvety tannins, brambled blackberry and cassis puree fruits, softened tannins at 12 years old, and a good dollop of confident mint chocolate notes on the finish. Not as long lasting as some vintages, but bursting with pleasure.
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Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
A meeting by chance with the 2008 Pontet-Canet prior to a small tasting of South African wines reminded me what a lovely wine this is. There is plenty of black fruit on the nose laced with graphite. The cedar component is less prominent than the previous bottled tasting. The palate is medium-bodied, a little drier and more austere than recent vintages, yet clearly well balanced with a surfeit of freshness on the slightly herbaceous finish. Drinking perfectly now, this will give another two decades of drinking pleasure. (NM)
Unquestionably one of the gems in the vintage is the 2008 Pontet-Canet, which reminds me of the 2005 with its concentrated, deep, powerful style. Beautiful dark fruits, graphite, obvious minerality, and classic Pauillac lead pencil notes all emerge from this still youthful, full-bodied, and pure 2008 that’s 4-5 years away from maturity and will keep for 30+ years. Hats off to Alfred Tesseron for another awesome wine that ranks up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
About the producer
Ch. Pontet-Canet is one of Pauillac’s top estates, and one of its largest at 81 hectares. Although classified as a Fifth Growth, these days it consistently competes with the First Growths