Château Pontet-Canet
シャトー・ポンテ・カネ
Biodynamic pioneer of Médoc, 100pts Parker 2009 & 2010
Château Pontet-Canet is a Fifth Growth (5ème Grand Cru Classé) estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux, widely regarded as over-performing its classification. Founded in the early 18th century by Jean-François de Pontet, the estate was acquired by the Tesseron family in 1975. Under Alfred Tesseron and director Jean-Michel Comme, Pontet-Canet became the first classified growth in the Médoc to convert entirely to biodynamic viticulture, completing the transition in 2004–2007. The 81-hectare vineyard is farmed with horses to avoid soil compaction, uses biodynamic preparations, and vinifies in specially-made concrete vats and amphorae. The estate earned back-to-back 100-point scores from Robert Parker for the 2009 and 2010 vintages, cementing its reputation as a rival to the First Growths. The blend is approximately 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
www.pontet-canet.com ↗Cuvées
No cuvées registered yet.
Who Is This For?
Wine collectors and Bordeaux enthusiasts seeking extraordinary age-worthy reds that combine ecological integrity with world-class quality, and those curious about biodynamic farming taken seriously at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Pontet-Canet considered much better than a typical Fifth Growth?
- Pontet-Canet's biodynamic viticulture, horse plowing, and minimal-intervention winemaking in concrete vats and amphorae unlock a level of terroir expression and complexity that rivals First Growths. Robert Parker awarded it perfect 100-point scores in 2009 and 2010 — a first for any Fifth Growth.
- What does biodynamic farming mean at Pontet-Canet?
- The estate converted all 81 hectares to certified biodynamic farming between 2004 and 2007. Horses replace tractors on around half the vineyard to prevent soil compaction. Biodynamic herbal preparations are applied on lunar calendars, and a dedicated tisanerie (herbal infusion room) produces homeopathic sprays. The estate holds Biodyvin and Demeter certifications.
- What does Pontet-Canet taste like?
- Expect layers of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum with graphite, cedar, sweet tobacco, and spice. The palate is powerful yet precise, with muscular tannins that become silky with age. Top vintages develop leather and forest floor with decades of aging.
- When should I drink Pontet-Canet?
- Great vintages (2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) are built for 20–40 years of aging. They can be approachable after 8–10 years, but reward patience. Longevity is estimated up to 45 years for the finest years.
- What foods pair well with Pontet-Canet?
- Classic pairings include rack of lamb, grilled ribeye, roasted beef, and duck confit. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano work beautifully. The estate's own chef suggests langoustines flambéed with Tesseron Cognac.