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 and 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. It is very focused, very precise and superbly refined but with great power. This near-first growth standard is almost at its highest level with the seamless, harmonious wine of 2005—one of the true stars of 2009.

Berry Bros. & Rudd