The 2003 Pontet-Canet was the winning bottle in the September Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. This bottle was decanted for one hour and served with steaks.
Chateau Pontet-Canet is situated next to Mouton Rothschild in the Pauillac region of Bordeaux. Pontet Canet was granted Fifth Growth status in the 1855 classification. Herman Cruse purchased the estate in 1865. The Cruse family owned Pontet-Canet for 110 years, until another negociant , Guy Tesseron, acquired it in 1975. Since Alfred Tesseron took over in 1994, this property has continued to improve year after year. The wines are consistently on par with most, if not all, of the Second Growth wines.
Crimson in color with slight bricking at the edge of the glass. Beautiful nose of red fruits, cigar box, cedar and saddle leather. Medium body with excellent acidity. Approachable and well balanced with lush fruits. Black currants, creme de cassis, tobacco and truffles on the palate. The finish is long and supple with silky tannins. Delicious wine from an under appreciated vintage. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Look for the 2021 Pontet-Canet in the $125 range and cellar it with confidence for the next 20 years.