2003 Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

Colour: Red

Vintage: 2003

Region: Bordeaux, Pauillac

A fifth growth by the 1855 classification, and one of Pauillacs largest properties, Pontet Canet has improved beyond recognition with the since the early 1990s. Alfred Tesseron has overseen much of the investment gone into transforming this Chateau; it has venerable terroir, being located next to Mouton-Rothschild (with which it is often well compared) but in the last 15 years they have truly taken their wine to a level which makes a mockery of their lowly Fifth Growth classification (if the 1855 classification were to be re-run today, they would surely be a Second Growth). Their commitment to combining traditional practices with the most forward-thinking techniques – organics, biodynamics, fermentation in concrete eggs in the winery – and their absolute focus on just producing one single wine from their estate, has helped them to develop an amazing following.

Tasting Notes and Scores

95+ RP

The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years.Drink: 2014 - 2029.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #214, Aug 2014)

Wine Advocate

94 JL

With a smoky tint, licorice, mint, burnt embers, cassis and a touch of oak to open the nose, the wine gets started. Full-bodied, round, fat and rich, with a blast of sweet, ripe, cocoa and dark chocolate dusted, crisp dark red and black fruits with a hint of dried herbs in the finish. With time, the texture became even more opulent. This is drinking great today. There is no touch of heat, jam or overripe ripe characteristics in the wine. Decanted for an hour, (which is all it needs) this is fully ready to go.

Jeff Leve

93 JS

Pure ripe fruit on the nose with raspberries and blueberries. Full bodied, with round and silky tannins and a pretty polish to this ripe and fruit forward wine. Pull the cork after 2014.

James Suckling

92 NM

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The Pontet-Canet 2003 has a very pure, quite alluring bouquet with blackberry and a touch of blueberry, mint and cedar. It is quite refined compared to recent vintage with very good focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a very supple, harmonious entry. This Pontet Canet is silky smooth and very composed, though it is missing a little complexity and ambition on the finish. But otherwise this is a lovely Pauillac that is drinking beautifully now. Tasted March 2013.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2013

Neal Martin

904 WL

Quality 849 | Brand 983 | Economics 890 | buzz brand
Quality: Above the average quality score of its peer group for the 2003 vintage, 663 Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 27 of the world's top wine lists, including Amber - Mandarin Oriental Economics: Below its peer group average price of £114 for the 2003 vintage Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 151,058 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017

Wine Lister

Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac