2023 Chateau Pontet-Canet Pauillac 5eme Cru Classe 750Ml Bottle

'The 2023 Pontet-Canet envelops the palate with silky tannins as hints of vibrant red-toned fruit, crushed flowers, spice and dried herbs fill out the layers. The 2023 is an exceptionally finessed Pontet-Canet. This is the first vintage in which the Grand Vin was blended early-in December following the harvest-as opposed to just before bottling, which had been the norm. That's one of many changes that resulted in a striking wine endowed with superb finesse. Tasted two times.' 98 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

'This is a stellar showing from the Tesseron family...I was also thrilled to see Pontet Canet move to a much lighter bottle. Proprietor Alfred Tesseron has been one of the most outspoken supporters of sustainability in Bordeaux. Now, his new bottle aligns with that philosophy, something I would like to see other owners adopt.' Antonio Galloni, Vinous

With the 2023 vintage, this estate has crafted a wine of unprecedented aromatic intensity and precision that marks a significant evolution. Revealing an elegant, fresh bouquet of mulberries and cassis mingled with notions of violets, gentian and menthol, the 2023 Pontet-Canet is medium to full-bodied, seamless and multidimensional, with a pure and precise core of fruit that's framed by ultra-refined tannins and a powerful but controlled profile, concluding with long, mineral, licorice-inflected finish. It's the result of more daring harvest decisions than in previous years: By picking the Merlot earlier to highlight fresh, fruity notes rather than baked, sun-kissed flavors and simultaneously delaying the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest until after September 28 to refine tannins, the 2023 Pontet-Canet marks a significant evolution at this renowned estate. At this early stage, its élevage appears to be more discreet, too. This wine, which I'd be delighted to own, is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, matured in 50% new oak barrels, 35% amphorae and 15% once-used barrels.'
96-98 points - Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate