Surface area : 81 ha
Planting : 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot
Production : 300.000 bottles per year on average
Ch. Pontet Canet is one of my favorite châteaus in the Pauillac appellation. The history of this estate dates back to the 18th century when in 1705, the magistrate Jean-François Pontet acquired several plots of land in the northern part of Pauillac, and in 1757 also took ownership of a property in the village of Canet. As was customary at the time, he combined his name with that of the estate, and so Ch. Pontet Canet was born in 1781.
A century later, the estate had earned an excellent reputation thanks to the quality of its wines. The cru was selected as a 5th Grand Cru Classé in 1855.
A few years later, the estate came into the hands of the Cruse family, who had gained fame in Bordeaux as négociants. It was this family that gave the estate a new boost with the construction of a revolutionary new chai (winery). The building was constructed in typical ‘Cruse’ style, using white stone and Bordeaux-coloured joinery. They were also responsible for adding the new building to the right side of the château.
In 1975, the estate was acquired by the third and current owners: the Tesseron family. Guy Tesseron, a winemaker and négociant in the Cognac region, became the owner of the estate. In 1994, he passed the ownership to his son, Alfred Tesseron. Alfred made the estate the first major château in Bordeaux to transition to organic and biodynamic farming. Under the management of director Jean-Michel Comme, the château became the first to receive both certifications. Since May 2020, his successor, cellar master Mathieu Bessonnet, has continued the biodynamic practices.
In 2015, Justine Tesseron, Alfred's daughter, began her work at the château. Together with her brother Noé and her cousins Mélanie and Philippine, she became an owner. Justine is determined to position the château at the highest quality level in the appellation. With its location next to Ch. Mouton Rothschild and Ch. Lafite Rothschild, and a terroir consisting of a beautiful plateau with clay and stones on a limestone base, this is perfectly possible.
Some plots at the top of the hill have vines that are on average 50 years old, yielding the finest grapes and the greatest complexity. Another plot, closer to the river and near the village of Pouyalet, is richer in limestone, while other areas contain more clay. Here merlot is planted, providing more volume and flesh. Finally, the petit verdot adds a touch of spiciness.
Over the years, Alfred Tesseron together with his teams have gained knowledge of when optimal ripeness is reached in the different plots. The numerous tests conducted since 2004 regarding the transition to organic and biodynamic farming have led to both disappointment and great enthusiasm. The vineyards are now all worked with horse and cart (to avoid compacting the soil). Vineyard treatments for diseases and pests are carried out using teas and preparations made from herbs and leaves from the estate’s own collection.
Since 2010, the wines have been officially certified organic and biodynamic. I have been wondering for a long time if this is why these wines are always so incredibly pure in terms of fruit. This precision and finesse are not found everywhere. It’s surprising how notably pleasant the elegance and refinement, combined with opulence, are, even when tasting a young bottle of Pontet Canet! And this despite the fact that these wines can age for a very long time. In my opinion, they can certainly last 25 to 30 years after the harvest.
If the 1855 classification were ever revised, I believe Ch. Pontet Canet would certainly be promoted to 2nd Grand Cru Classé. And in great vintages, it even rivals the 1er Grand Cru Classés.
Discover this top wine for yourself, with a delicious piece of red meat, game, or simply enjoy it for the pleasure of discovery.
NOW IN PROMOTION 11 + 1 FREE until 28/2/2025 (not applicable on primeur and preorder wines, and cellar leftovers)