A glorious, high-quality Pontet-Canet
This morning saw the first major release of the 2019 Bordeaux campaign: over-achieving fifth-growth Pontet-Canet, which has often scored more highly than its next-door neighbour Mouton-Rothschild. This was among the very first estates in Bordeaux to become fully biodynamic (and there still aren't many). This uncompromising approach punished the estate in 2018 with minuscule yields, but in 2019 they have reaped a glorious, high-quality harvest.
Owner Alfred Tesseron continues his relentless pursuit of quality: 2019 was also the first vintage of the modern era to be 100% sorted by hand. And in the winery, they have now eliminated pump-over altogether in favour of gentle pressing in order to achieve a texture more smooth and velvety than ever. One imagines that in the future, more Bordeaux may be going down this road.
Not for the first time, the Tesserons have surprised the market. The release price is over 30% down on last year's. In fact, regardless of inflation, it's the lowest release price from the chateau since the 2008 over a decade ago. It joins the ranks of the very finest Pontet-Canets - at a price akin to some of the lesser ones. Highly recommended. /NT
Offered subject to confirmation; for shipment 2022
