Chateau Pontet-Canet 2020

A very refined Pauillac Grand Cru Classe

The estate

A 5th Grand Cru Classe of Pauillac, Chateau Pontet-Canet has experienced an unprecedented rise to the top, and is today considered one of the most iconic estates of the Médoc. Led by Justine and Alfred Tesseron, Chateau Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the pioneers of biodynamics in the Pauillac appellation, with results that have exceeded all expectations. From vintage to vintage, the property stands out as one of the most beautiful references of Left Bank Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Ecocert and Biodyvin certified for the past 10 years, the Chateau Pontet-Canet vineyard extends over 81 hectares and is cultivated with the utmost respect for the vine and the environment surrounding it. The vineyards are ploughed by draft-horse to avoid overly packing the soil. The estate is managed with a biodynamic approach. Through their hard work and vast knowledge of the vineyard terroir, the technical teams of the estate allow the vine to express itself at its best.

The vintage

A particularly warm winter preceded the hot months of March and April, favoring early bud break of the vines from March 21 onwards. While heavy rainfall was recorded at the end of April, later milder conditions allowed for rapid flowering. Following the new moon on May 23, there was plenty of rainfall until June 20. In order to fight against mildew pressure, herbal teas, horsetail, wicker and buckthorn picked around the estate were applied to the soil as needed, thus limiting losses and saving the harvest. The beginning of August was marked by a peak in temperature, followed by violent storms, which led to a swelling of the fruit and fragile skins. Stopping the soil work early on and not trimming the vines allowed the leaves to evaporate this excess water and the fruit to return to its normal size. The harvests began early, yielding very high quality grapes.

Vinification and aging

Following the harvest, the grapes were subjected to rigorous sorting and manual destemming in order to carry out a careful selection. The quality of the harvest allowed for low-intervention vinification. The grapes were "infused" with the help of a few manual punch-downs. Aging took place in 50% new barrels, 35% concrete amphorae and 15% second-fill barrels.

The blend

The Chateau Pontet-Canet 2020 is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (4%).

The tasting

With its extreme delicacy, its aromatic richness and its refinement, this Chateau Pontet-Canet 2020 offers an ideal expression of the exceptional quality of its terroir of origin.