Chateau Pontet Canet 2018

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Einladendes Bukett mit einem Hauch reife Feigen und Erdbeerkonfit, dunkle Beerenfrucht unterlegt, ein Hauch von Lakritze, rauchige Gewürznuancen im Hintergrund. Komplex und stoffig, sehr kraftvoll und zugleich mineralisch, präsente, reife Tannine, feiner Nougat, der Gerbstoff verleiht dem Wein eine unglaubliche Länge, macht ihn im Moment zugleich weniger zugänglich, gute Frische unterlegt, große Länge, ein Wein mit sicherer Zukunft, der allerdings auch noch viel Zeit benötigt. (2030 - 2070)"

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2018 Pontet-Canet is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It was aged in 55% oak barriques and 45% amphorae. Deep garnet-purple colored, it explodes from the glass with an atomic perfume of raspberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles, rose oil and Chinese five spice, giving way to suggestions of cinnamon stick, dusty soil, pencil lead and underbrush. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate is a hedonist's dream, delivering layer-upon-layer of black and red berry preserves with loads of fragrant accents, a beautifully firm yet plush texture and tons of freshness, finishing long with a whole firework display of exotic spices. This is pretty much out-of-the-gate delicious, but it has the backbone to evolve over three decades or more."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A complex nose of blueberries, elderberries, dried fruit, spice and dark chocolate. It’s full-bodied with a harmonious, balanced texture. The tannins are still firm and powerful, but there’s balance and finesse to the whole thing. Tight and reserved, yet long and energetic. The tannins open slowly. Dusty texture. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2024."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Completely opaque, with a dark, purple sheen, the wine pops with blackberry, crème de cassis, smoke, graphite, licorice, spice and just a tinge of vanilla in the background. Viscous, concentrated, fresh, round, lush and layered with crushed stones and fresh squeezed blackberries, the creamy, plush finish lingers, enticing you to take another sip. This sublime vintage of Pontet Canet needs at least 12 years or more in the cellar and it should deliver the goods for at least another 2-3 decades after that. Not much of this gem is going to be available as yields were close to 25% of their normal production due to extremely difficult climatic conditions."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This wine combines the richness of the vintage with a sophisticated structure of smoky tannins and spicy wood aging. It is still young, with a powerful structure and ripe, vibrant black-currant fruits. The wine needs plenty of aging. Drink from 2028. Organic and biodynamic."

JEB DUNNUCK: "An unevolved, almost primordial 2018, the 2018 Château Pontet Canet sports a dense purple hue as well as loads of blue and black fruits, damp earth, tobacco, candied violets, and graphite-laced aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, serious mid-palate depth, and building tannins, it's mostly potential at this point, but it's a beautiful wine in the making. A decade of bottle age is going to be required, though, so it's not for those seeking instant gratification."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpur mit schwarzer undurchlässiger Mitte und zartem rubinrotem Rand. Ein opulentes Bouquet nach warmen Backpflaumen, Heidelbeerkompott und Kirschlikör. Im zweiten Ansatz ein voller Strauss Bakkarat-Rosen, belgische Nougatpralinen und Lakritze. Am cremigen Gaumen mit einer kaschmirartigen Textur, betörender (fein körniger) Extraktsüße und engmaschigem Tanningerüst gepaart mit royaler Adstringenz. Im energiegeladenen Finale ein Korb mit schwarzen Johannisbeeren, parfümierter Pfeifentabak und dunkle Mineralik. Minutenlanges Rückaroma, ein Meditationswein – leider sehr limitiert dieses Jahr! Trinkfenster nach hinten verschoben."

DECANTER: "An impressive nose, as Justine Tesseron remarked 'éclatant'. Indeed, ripe cassis with some glossy fruit. The 2018 stands out for its unique expression among all wines tasted. If you like an ultra-ripe style, this is most certainly that. The most Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, at 70%, but comes across with a certain California feel, and yet firmly Bordeaux, because of the acidity and fine tension on the palate. Aged 50% new oak , 35% amphora. Drinking Window 2021 - 2050"