Château Pontet Canet - Pauillac 2009

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe1/1/2013

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. I have tasted the Pontet-Canet '09 several times in bottle, but I wanted to wait until I could tasted it blind before posting my first appraisal in bottle (which was done in two different flights.) It has a very rich, almost extravagant bouquet with blackberry, black olive compote, a touch of balsamic and graphite. It is very intense although it seems to calm down in the glass. The palate is very smooth, underpinned by supple, saturated tannins. This is primal, loaded with glycerine, a 2009 determined to make an impression, which it most certainly does. Yet does it quite have the panache and class on the finish compared not only to its peers, but the Pontet '10? Tasted January 2013.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

96 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe7/31/2012

Bright, full ruby. Pure, vibrant aromas of cassis, blackberry, blueberry, licorice, graphite and leather. Like liquid velvet on entry, then energetic and sharply delineated in the mid-palate, with penetrating minerality intensifying the pristine dark berry flavors. Most impressive today on the extremely long, perfumed finish, which shows suave, noble tannins and a magically light touch for such an intense wine. This wine is remarkably tastable today but it's also built for 30+ years of aging.

Wine Advocate

100 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/29/2012

An amazing wine in every sense, this classic, full-bodied Pauillac is the quintessential Pontet Canet from proprietor Alfred Tesseron, who continues to reduce yields and farms his vineyards biodynamically – a rarity in Bordeaux. Black as a moonless night, the 2009 Pontet Canet offers up notes of incense, graphite, smoke, licorice, creme de cassis and blackberries. A wine of irrefutable purity, laser-like precision, colossal weight and richness, and sensational freshness, this is a tour de force in winemaking that is capable of lasting 50 or more years. The tannins are elevated, but they are sweet and beautifully integrated as are the acidity, wood and alcohol (which must be in excess of 14%). This vineyard, which is situated on the high plateau of Pauillac adjacent to Mouton Rothschild, appears to have done everything perfectly in 2009. This cuvee should shut down in the cellar and re-open in a decade or more. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2075.

Jamessuckling.com

98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2012

Stunning aromas of fresh flowers, with blueberries, blackberries and currants that follow through to a full body, with super balance and finesse. The tannins are super polished. Such class here. Best ever from here. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try in 2018.

Wine Spectator

96 / 100

byJames Molesworththe1/11/2012

This is amazingly expressive now considering how huge it is, with stunning espresso and warm fig confiture aromas followed by lush layer after layer of blackberry paste, cassis and plum sauce. A terrific loam underpinning strides in on the finish, which is weighty but sports serious cut. Equal parts fruit and earth. Best from 2018 through 2038. -J.M.

Le Figaro

93-95 / 100

byBernard Burtschythe6/30/2010

« Tout est bon » soulignent de concert Alfred Tesseron et Jean-Michel Comme, respectivement propriétaires et directeur technique du cru. Du coup, 80 % de la vendange sont entrés dans le grand vin qui possède la densité de Pauillac et une élégance particulière. Avec une grande question : une sélection accrue aurait-elle permis d’atteindre le sublime comme au Château Margaux par exemple ? Robe sombre. Nez intense. En bouche, le vin est souple, rond, avec une jolie matière très pure, le tout est de belle longueur mais avec tout petit creux. Il a été produit peu de second vin (20 %). 65 % cabernet-sauvignon, 29 % merlot, 5 % cabernet-franc, 1 % petit-verdot.

timatkin.com

98 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe6/30/2010

13.2% alcohol. 65 CS, 29M, 5CF, 1PV It may or may not have something to do with bio-dynamic practices in the vineyard, but this fifth growth continues to outperform its place in the 1855 classification. Violet-scented and pure, the 2009 has a lovely freshness and elegance to it, with cedarwood, damson and black fruits on the palate. A wine that has now achieved Super Second status. 20+ years.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

91-94 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2010

Bright ruby. Lovely perfumed aromas of fresh red cherry, blackcurrant and violet. Enters full, rich and very suave, showing highly flattering flavors of chocolatey red cherry and red plum along with very good energy, and yet I found myself wanting a bit more precision and lift. There is a wonderfully sumptuous, sensual side to this 2009's fruit. I've been a long-time fan of the wines of this estate (the '66 and '75 are must-buys for any serious Bordeaux lover), but at the moment I marginally prefer the more austere, classic 2008 to this charming '09.

Le Monde

19 / 100

the6/5/2010

La propriété a fait le choix de la pureté et de l'élegance au prix d'un léger manque de monumentalité dans la texture. Ce choix a ravi toute notre équipe, admirative devant le merveilleux naturel des arômes, et la finesse superlative du tanin. Un vin très abouti, et le triomphe habituel de David sur Goliath, 19/20, pas encore commercialisé.

La Revue du Vin de France

18,5-19,5 / 20

the5/31/2010

Une fois encore, le château a produit l'un des plus grands vins du millésime, avec une combinaison exceptionnelle de densité, de puissance et d'élégance. Il possède une sève incroyable, avec une trame verticale qui le rend multidimensionnel et éclatant. La vibration du fruit et son énergie en font une nouvelle référence pour le cru.

Le Point

18,5 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/6/2010

Nez fruits noirs, épices, poivré, bouche vive, tendue, séveuse, minérale, serrée, belle acidité. Sensation de fraîcheur. Tendu, frais, vif, long, très fin. Juste ce qu'il faut de sévérité pou rêtre un vrai Pauillac. O=2017 G=30 ans

Falstaff

93-95 / 100

byPeter Moserthe4/30/2010

TAST

19 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2010

La propriété a fait le choix de la pureté et de l’élégance au prix d’un léger manque de monumentalité dans la texture. Ce choix a ravi toute notre équipe, admirative devant le merveilleux naturel des arômes, et la finesse superlative du tanin. Un vin très abouti, et le triomphe habituel de David sur Goliath.

Wine Advocate

94-97 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2010

Tasted on four separate occasions, including twice at the chateau, though actually showing best at a negociant. Representing 80% of the crop, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The nose is very pure, blackberry, small black cherries, a touch of griottes, a hint of cedar and mint. Quite feminine. Not too powerful. Very fine definition. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, insistent grip and good acidity, perhaps one of the most structured, masculine Pauillac 2009s but that does not detract from the finesse and poise. But certainly there is backbone here that segues into a tertiary note towards the finish. Very focused, more minerally elements towards the finish, hints of black truffle and smoke towards the finish. Very good persistency, somehow, an assured Pontet Canet. Superb. Tasted March 2010.

Wine Enthusiast

98-100 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/30/2010

A superb wine with the purest fruit, great freshness and ripeness. It is certainly structured with dry tannins, while the blackcurrant freshness is also all there. The biodynamic wine has a great limpid, flowing feel, backed by power.

Wein Wisser

19 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2010

Sattes Purpur-Granat. Intensives Bouquet von blauen und schwarzen Beeren, Cassis, ein Hauch Dörrbanane und nussige Konturen, zeigt viel Frische und gleichzeitig eine wunderschöne Cabernet- Reife. Im Gaumen von einer noch nie erlebten Souplesse, mit viel Schmelz, im Innern feine mürbe Tannine, die dem Körper Fleisch verleihen. Wie sagte doch der damalige Kellermeister Jean-Paul Gardère von Latour? Wenn ein Pauillac in der Nase nach Banane duftet, dann ist es ein ganz grosser Wein! Recht hatte er, wie der geniale 2009er Pontet-Canet beweist. 2019–2036

Wine Advocate

97-100 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/28/2010

It’s no surprise that proprietor Alfred Tesseron has produced a possibly perfect 2009. He’s been on a roll since 1994, and no other producer has done more work in the vineyard than Tesseron, who has moved to 100% bio-dynamic farming, reduced yields drastically, and instituted a draconian selection process. This vineyard, which sits on the high plateau of Pauillac adjacent to Mouton Rothschild, has produced a 2009 of extraordinary intensity and purity. It is outrageously concentrated, with silky tannin (the sweetest I have ever tasted in a Pontet-Canet as well as the highest measured), an opaque purple color, and copious notes of graphite, cassis, licorice, and subtle smoke and forest floor. Full-bodied and unctuously textured with striking purity and definition, it is a wine of colossal weight as well as elegance (in itself a poster boy for this paradox in 2009). This brilliant Pauillac requires a decade of cellaring despite its voluptuous texture. It should evolve for 50-75 years. (Tasted four times.) Drink 2020-2095

Periodic Review of Wine

96-98 / 100

byAlan Duranthe4/28/2010

Alfred Tesseron's 2009 is another towering wine capable of exceeding the 2006, 2005 and 2003 vintages. It is remarkable how this estate increased the quality and is now producing one of the most exciting wines in Bordeaux. Its saturated inky-purple rimmed color precedes big white flower perfumes, blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis, blueberries, and charcoal/crushed-stone. Such complex aromatics lead to a full-bodied, dense, crammed, concentrated wine. The richness of the cassis fruit and the savory à la plancha meat juices lead to an unbelievable delicacy in the delivery and a lengthy and substantial tannin. Wol! This red packs such a mass of fruit and potent flavor, yet its still quite youthful in its development. Patience is necessary as it will require a decade to soften, and last some 45-50 years. This is a wine of greatness! Maturity period 2018-2052.(96-98+)

Anthony Rose

94-96 / 100

byAnthony Rosethe4/26/2010

65% cabernet sauvignon, 29%, merlot 5% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot. 42 hl / ha. Deep colour, lovely vibrant rich dark fruits freshness, concentrated without seeming heavy, vivid with nice plump fresh and subtle oak spicing, and lovely sweet succulent tannins, touch of dark chocolate, bringing excellent balance. Gorgeous sweet opulent fruit and fine balance and yet also has quite firm tannin structure and backbone. Very good for the medium to long-term. One of the wines of the vintage, now at supersecond level under Alfred Tesseron’s ownership and Jean Michel Comme’s biodynamic stewardship.

Wine Spectator

95-98 / 100

the4/9/2010

Delivers aromas of blueberry skin, fresh flowers, licorice and raspberry sauce, with something exotic underneath it all. Full-bodied, with wonderful clarity and freshness. It's like looking at a full moon on a crystal-clear night in the country. This keeps coming at you, with tannins and ripe fruit. What balance, yet power to the wine. I love how the wine changes and challenges you with every sip.

Decanter Magazine

18.5 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/9/2010

Dense colour and pure Cabernet blackcurrant fruit beautifully extracted with great length and perfect harmony, great purity of expression, exuberant yet restrained, great future. Drink 2016-30.

Jancis Robinson

18 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/7/2010

Yields a bit more than in 2008, with more grand vin too. 81 ha total vineyards. This year they are trying for 24 ha by horse. They can’t tell us the alcohol but think it’s 13-13.5%. Very dark crimson. Firm and broad and very lively with real vibrant elderberry nose - there IS a bit of extra vitality in this wine! Very very nice and satisfying indeed. There is life to this and great breadth and depth. Intense richness that seems to come from the fruit rather than from winemaking. Something of Lafite’s complexity and integrity. Plus Mouton’s richness. Dry finish. Very well done. But it is not a wine you want to undertake young – still lots to sort out. Much less open than most. Dense – really quite dry on the end but appetising though very long term. Muscular. Drink 2020-2035