2009 Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, Bordeaux

We first tasted 2009 Ch. Pontet Canet at a négociant’s during the Bordeaux en primeur tastings, and then we tried it again later that week at the château. In both cases, it was utterly, utterly brilliant. The nose is wonderfully pure, elegant yet ultra-concentrated whilst gorgeous, blackcurrant fruit dominates the lush-textured palate. Layers of complexity ripple across the tongue whilst the deliciously ripe tannins are present, and then melt away. This is very focused, very precise and superbly refined but with great power. Almost level with the seamless, harmonious wine that was 2005, this is near-First Growth standard. This is one of the true stars of 2009: Pontet is back!