Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2009

Wine Advocate 100

Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Pontet-Canet slips sensuously from the glass with opulent scents of creme de cassis, baked plums and Black Forest cake plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, potpourri, oolong tea and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, it has a fantastically velvety frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 12/05/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2065

Vinous 96

Bright, full ruby. Pure, vibrant aromas of cassis, blackberry, blueberry, licorice, graphite and leather. Like liquid velvet on entry, then energetic and sharply delineated in the mid-palate, with penetrating minerality intensifying the pristine dark berry flavors. Most impressive today on the extremely long, perfumed finish, which shows suave, noble tannins and a magically light touch for such an intense wine. This wine is remarkably tastable today but it’s also built for 30+ years of aging. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2012]

Neal Martin 95

The 2009 Pontet-Canet needs more encouragement from the glass than its peers, but it rewards the imbiber with seductive pure cassis and blackberry fruit, touches of autumn leaves and pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with firm but fine tannin, a lovely bead of acidity. A harmonious, brown spice and smoke tinged finish fans out with confidence. You could open this now but it still has two more decades of drinking pleasure to give. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2009 Bordeaux tasting. [Neal Martin, 14/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2042