2021 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac Grand Cru Classé

Château Pontet-Canet Winery

Château Pontet-Canet is one of Pauillac's most distinctive and progressive estates. Since the 1990s, biodynamic principles and a strong focus on soil life and biodiversity have been applied here. Under the leadership of the Tesseron family, the château developed a distinctive style focused on precision, energy, and terroir expression. Experiments with amphorae and minimal intervention in the cellar have given the estate a unique position within the Médoc. More information about this winery can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Region, climate and location

Pontet-Canet lies in the southern part of Pauillac, with an exceptional exposure on deep gravel terraces near the Gironde estuary. These soils provide optimal drainage and heat retention, offering Cabernet Sauvignon optimal ripening conditions. The 2021 vintage experienced a classic and relatively cool growing season, emphasizing freshness, aromatic precision, and moderate alcohol levels. The result is a wine that emphasizes elegance and tension rather than massive power.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The vineyards are planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and, in 2021, a slightly higher percentage of Petit Verdot than usual. The biodynamic approach, combined with low yields and intensive selection, produces grapes with pronounced purity and terroir character. The higher percentage of Petit Verdot contributes to a spicy, savory undertone and added structure.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

After careful harvest and selection, vinification focused on refined extraction and preserving freshness. Maturation took place in a combination of approximately 50% new oak, 35% amphorae, and 15% one-year-old barrels. This approach gives the wine both structure and transparency, with the oak supporting the wine without dominating the fruit. The use of amphorae contributes to purity and tension in the mid-palate.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the 2021 reveals a deep ruby red color. The nose opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry notes, followed by hints of wet earth, graphite, and pencil shavings. Spices, cloves, rose petal, and a touch of iris add aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with layered tannins and a strikingly fresh acidity that gives it direction and energy. Subtle notes of tobacco, leather, and a light mocha note emerge in the background. The finish is taut, mineral, and slightly saline, with a clear, classic Pauillac signature.

Development and drinking window

Professional ratings place the drinking window between 2025 and 2050, with some estimates placing the optimal period closer to 2031 to 2046. Scores range from 91-93 points from William Kelley (Wine Advocate) to 95-96 points from James Suckling, with additional ratings of 93 points from Neal Martin (Vinous) and 93-95 points from Antonio Galloni (Vinous). The wine combines classic structure with refinement and will further harmonize and deepen in bottle.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley (Wine Advocate, 91-93 points) emphasizes the exotic aromas and layered structure with a salty finish. James Suckling (95-96 points) praises the concentration, layered tannins, and brightness of the fruit. Neal Martin (Vinous, 93 points) sees elegance, freshness, and graphite precision. Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 93-95 points) calls this one of the most classic expressions of Pontet-Canet in modern times, with pronounced tension and direction. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.