2016 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac Grand Cru Classé

Winery Château Pontet-Canet

Château Pontet-Canet is one of the leading Grand Cru Classé estates of Pauillac and is known for its distinctive course within Bordeaux. Since the 1990s, under the leadership of Alfred Tesseron, the château has consciously opted for a sustainable and biodynamic approach, with far-reaching changes in vineyard management and vinification. These choices have led to a clearly recognizable style in which structure, energy, and terroir expression take center stage.

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Region, climate and location

Pontet-Canet is located in the north of Pauillac, on the left bank of the Gironde. The vineyards consist primarily of deep gravel layers with clay and limestone in the subsoil, which contributes to drainage, structure, and mineral tension. The 2016 vintage is regarded in Bordeaux as a classic great year, with a long growing season, optimal ripeness, and preservation of freshness. These conditions were ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon on the left bank.

Vineyards

The vineyards of Pontet-Canet are cultivated entirely biodynamically. Horses are used for soil cultivation and chemical agents are avoided. This approach results in low yields and grapes with a high degree of concentration and precision. The plots in Pauillac produce grapes with a pronounced structure and a distinctive mineral signature.

Grape varieties and composition

The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon defines the backbone of the wine, providing power, length, and aging potential, while Merlot contributes texture and roundness. The other varieties provide nuance and aromatic complexity.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest took place under excellent conditions, with perfectly ripe grapes and a high degree of selection. Vinification proceeds plot by plot, using a combination of traditional methods and innovative techniques. Part of the wine ages in oak barrels, while another part is aged in terracotta amphorae. This approach contributes to texture, freshness, and a pure expression of the fruit. The aging is aimed at integration and balance, without weighing down the wine.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep garnet purple colour. On the nose, it opens powerfully and layered, with aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, and ripe dark fruit, interwoven with floral notes, spiciness, and a distinct mineral tension. Nuances of cocoa, spices, and earthy accents add extra depth. On the palate, the wine is full and concentrated, with a distinctly energetic structure. The tannins are firm yet fine-grained and perfectly integrated, supported by fresh acidity that provides balance and length. Despite its power, the wine remains remarkably precise and harmonious. The finish is exceptionally long, leaving a lasting impression of depth, freshness, and structure.

Development and drinking window

The 2016 Pontet-Canet is still in a relatively early stage of its development, but already displays impressive balance. Professional assessments mention multiple drinking windows, ranging from 2023 to 2060 and from 2026 to 2066. This underscores the exceptional aging potential of the wine, which will continue to refine over several decades.

Summary of professional reviews

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Advocate rated the wine 98+ points and highlighted its tremendous layering, power, and harmony, with potential for an even higher score in the future. Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine 99 points, calling it exceptionally balanced, energetic, and distinctive within Pauillac, with a precision and cohesion rarely seen. Both reviewers consider this vintage one of the great Pontet-Canets of the past few decades. Parker concludes his review with: "... I wouldn't be at all surprised if this warrants the three-digit score in a few years' time. "

The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.