Château Pontet Canet, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2003
A fabulous 2003 has been fashioned by Guy Tesseron, and we cannot imagine anybody not liking it! It has a wonderfully powerful yet seductive nose of cassis and cherry, oozing concentration right through the palate but maintaining a stylish balance between fruit, acidity and tannin, and a clear focus. Made of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, cropped at 39hl/ha. Quite delicious!
critic reviews
Deep garnet-brick colored, the 2003 Pontet-Canet bursts with crème de cassis, blueberry compote, and licorice notes, followed by hints of graphite, lavender, cardamom, and tobacco. The medium-bodied reveals a wine of surprising finesse with a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and fruity.
The 2003 Pontet Canet has a precocious bouquet with blueberry, cassis, crushed violet and pastille-like fruit, perhaps more delineation than its peers. There's a nice focus here. The palate is well balanced with finely-knit tannins, a sorbet-like freshness, lightly spiced with hints of bacon fat emanating from that notorious warm summer. With a brightness on the finish, this is a superior Pauillac from 2003 and is recommended. Tasted at the château.
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.