Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s Pontet-Canet dinner at The Ledbury. The ’01 is a great Pontet-Canet. It has a classic nose of graphite, blackberry, cedar and oyster shell with great definition and intensity. With time it develops more Margaux-like, floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp and tense with a graceful, more feminine finish that displays great precision and poise. Superb. Tasted February 2011.
-Wine Journal on erobertparker.com, 7th September 2011

Good red-ruby color. Sexy, highly aromatic nose combines black raspberry, licorice, mint, minerals and flowers. Classy, bright Pauillac, with suave dark berry and mineral flavors nicely shaped by firm acidity. Offers early sex appeal but has the structure for a long life in bottle. Finishes with ripe, spreading tannins and excellent grip and length.

One of the great estates of the Medoc, Pontet-Canet has enjoyed increasing attention as well as a draconian selection process by owner Albert Tesseron ever since his breakthrough vintage of 1994. The 2001 does not possess the power of the 2000 or the huge 2003, but it is still a very fine albeit tannic, lighter wine. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it was produced from modest yields of 37 hectoliters per hectare. Revealing classic cassis aromas, medium to full body, a firm structure with plenty of finesse, a closed personality, and dominant as well as intrusive tannin, it should age well for 12-20 years, but patience will be required. Certainly the concentration appears up to the level of the tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017.