Pontet-Canet as we know it today dates from the mid seventies. Prior to that it had been owned and mismanaged by a series of impoverished or ignorant duffers. In 1975 it was bought by Cognac producer Guy Tesseron, whose son Alfred is now owner. Equally importantly Jean-Michel Comme was appointed manager and he has taken Pontet-Canet to full biodynamic status and ever increasing heights of quality. And for a fifth growth, it is now one of the most sought after wines in the whole region. All this from a Chateau that for years only produced cheap and nasty generic plonk and yet is sited next to Mouton-Rothschild.

From a quality point of view, 1994 was the turning point when the decision was made to convert to biodynamics - bitterly contested by his father until the increase in quality and reputation was confirmed. Now it is entirely bio, and with much fermentation conducted in eggs made with soil from each portion of the vineyard. (CW 26/03/15)