Pontet Canet 2012 revisited
Our team, privileged to possess extensive knowledge and experience in the wine industry, had the unique opportunity to participate in a remarkable tasting of Chateau Pontet Canet. This exclusive event, hosted by Alfred Tesseron at the prestigious Hong Kong KCC Wine Society a few years ago, was a true testament to the exceptional quality of this wine. We were treated to various vintages during the tasting, with the 2012 vintage being one of the wine bottles served during dinner. The 2012 vintage, with its remarkably fruity and fresh character, stood out from the others, allowing us to appreciate this exceptional wine's impeccable balance and expressiveness.
Chateau Pontet Canet 2012 has consistently garnered stellar ratings from wine critics, bloggers, and merchants, including WA96 and Jeff Leve 96. This high praise, even after years of ageing in the bottle, is a testament to the exceptional quality of this vintage. It remains a top choice for discerning wine enthusiasts.
Awarding it 94-96, Neal Martin at Wine Advocate writes. 'What is a primeur report without one of Pauillac's most dynamic estates? I made the trip through the rain to taste their 2012. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 30% Merlot, the latter was cropped from 4th October and the Cabernet Sauvignon from 11th October, finishing six days later. 50% of the crop, once aged in new oak and one-year-old barrels, are matured in concrete vats, whilst 35% is aged in clay amphora quarried from their vineyard. The nose has great purity and terroir expression: blackberry, briary and background scents of fresh raspberry and cold stone. The definition is very impressive. The palate is interesting - quite different from the previous vintages. I love the tannins here. They are very fine but lend the Pontet-Canet great backbone. It is utterly harmonious, but I feel more understated, perhaps more controlled than recent vintages. The finish is much more reflective - a Pauillac politely informing you to go away and wait before bottling before making any judgment! This is a divine Pontet Canet - very succinct. Tasted April 2013.' Edited.
96 VertdeVin. The nose is fruity, gourmand and finely robust. It reveals notes of crushed cherry, blackberry jam and delicate notes of crushed strawberry combined with touches of liquorice, slight hints of oak, cocoa (discreet) as well as (very) discreet hints of caramelized oak, a hint of mushroom and a very discreet hint of blueberry (in the background). The mouth is fruity and beautifully fresh, offering minerality, a nice acid frame, and a good matter. In the mouth, this wine expresses notes of sour cherry, cassis and slight notes of crushed strawberry combined with hints of wood, a discreet hint of mushroom, a hint of liquorice, and a few slight woody notes—good length and persistence. There are hints of iodized minerals on the finish/persistence. Edited.
95 Larson. Very floral, dark fruity, ripe nose, multilayered palate, fruit purity and breadth, Ôø? Finely integrated tannin, crunchy dark fruit, long, juicy finish, and superb material. Edited.
