1996 Château Pontet Canet

Château Pontet-Canet, adjacent to Mouton-Rothschild, has undergone a remarkable transformation under owner Alfred Tesseron and manager Jean-Michel Comme. Its exceptional terroir and bold shift to biodynamic viticulture have propelled it to become one of the most sought-after brands in the Médoc. The wines, traditionally known for their deep ruby color, jammy black fruits, cedar notes, and powerful yet balanced character, have evolved to showcase increasing purity due to biodynamic practices. As a Fifth Growth Classified of Pauillac, Pontet-Canet exemplifies the potential for innovation and quality improvement within the established Bordeaux classification system, producing muscular yet harmonious wines that contribute to Bordeaux's legendary status.

Pauillac is a prestigious appellation located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. Known for producing some of the world's most renowned and expensive red wines, Pauillac is home to three of the five Bordeaux First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The region's terroir is characterized by well-drained gravel soils, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, which dominates the wine blends. Pauillac wines are typically full-bodied, tannic, and complex, with flavors of black currant, cedar, and tobacco. They are known for their exceptional aging potential. The appellation's unique microclimate, influenced by its proximity to the Gironde estuary, contributes to the consistent quality of its wines. Pauillac's reputation for producing powerful, elegant, and long-lived wines has solidified its status as a benchmark for Bordeaux reds.

Château Pontet-Canet's terroir is emblematic of the Pauillac appellation, contributing significantly to its exceptional wines. The 81-hectare vineyard sits on Gunzian gravel soils atop limestone bedrock, providing excellent drainage and heat retention. This gravelly composition, typical of top Médoc estates, forces vines to root deeply, resulting in concentrated, complex grapes. The vineyard's gentle slopes and proximity to the Gironde estuary create a favorable microclimate, moderating temperature extremes. Predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, the terroir particularly suits these Bordeaux varieties. Since the adoption of biodynamic practices in the mid-2000s, the estate has focused on enhancing the natural expression of this unique terroir, resulting in wines of great purity and character that truly reflect their Pauillac origins.