2012 Pontet Canet
By Chateau Pontet Canet
2012 Pontet Canet from Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the context of fine wine investments, the heralded 2012 Pontet Canet from Chateau Pontet Canet occupies a distinct place in the corpus of Bordeaux's venerable offerings. With four decades of vinous explorations behind me, I have witnessed many a vintage rise and recede in the broad estuary of fine wines. Yet, it is this particular assemblage that continues to sing a siren's call to oenophiles and investors alike.
Exceptional Vintage Crafted by Nature and Nurture
The 2012 Pauillac vintage evokes an orchestra of balance and texture, synchronising the rigour of nature with human artistry. It was a year that sidestepped the climatic drama of its predecessors; embark instead on subtle seasonal shifts that culminated in a harvest marked by its precision and grace. The vintage speaks to those who appreciate finesse over flamboyance – a medley of structure and subtlety that heralds a profound ageing potential.
A Study in Elegance: The 2012 Pontet Canet
Chateau Pontet Canet's 2012 exemplar stands among the pinnacles of investment-grade wines – eloquent testimony to the estate's biodynamic stewardship. This wine unravels myriad layers, presenting an opulent tapestry woven from the quintessential gravel soils that typify Pauillac's terroir. Its bouquet is an intricate fusion of dark berries and anise, underpinned by an earthbound minerality and a whisper of graphite. On the palate, well-integrated tannins frame a decadent blend of dark fruit and spice, whilst still proffering enough restraint to reveal hidden corners of complexity that will undoubtedly blossom with maturation.
For aficionados considering the addition of 2012 Pontet Canet to their collection, this Pauillac stands as an embodiment of sophistication; one that promises refinement through patient cellaring. Yet, it equally entices with its current vivacity – an attribute which undeniably bolsters its investment allure.
Investment Merits: The 2012 Pontet Canet's Prominence
As intricate and refined as a Baroque fugue, the 2012 Pontet Canet from Chateau Pontet Canet ensures its verses will be declaimed long into the future. It possesses not merely the potential for profound evolution within the sanctuary of your cellar but also represents a judicious addition to any investment portfolio looking for tangible elegance. One can only commend its poised majesty today, even as we envision its crescendo with time's benediction.
Market price (CAD)
$1,050.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
42
Scores and tasting notes
A wine that makes you want to drink it already. It's stylish with berries, currants, cedar and stone aromas and flavors. Full body, with very integrated tannins and a long, long finish. A small percentage of the wine is now aged in cement vats instead of oak barrels. This touches all the senses. A beauty. Made from biodynamic grapes.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
What is a primeur report without one of Pauillac’s most dynamic estate? I made the trip through the rain to taste their 2012. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 30% Merlot, the latter was cropped from 4th October and the Cabernet Sauvignon from 11th October, finishing six days later. The 50% of the crop once aged in new oak and one-year old barrels are now matured in concrete vats whilst 35% of the crop is aged in clay amphora quarried from their own vineyard. There is certainly great purity and terroir expression on the nose: blackberry, briary and background scents of fresh raspberry and cold stone. The definition is very impressive. The palate is interesting – quite different from the previous vintages. I love the tannins here – very fine but lending the Pontet-Canet great backbone It is utterly harmonious but I feel more understated, perhaps more controlled than recent vintages. The finish is much more introspective – a Pauillac politely informing you to go away and wait before bottling before making any judgement! This is a divine Pontet Canet - very succinct. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Pontet-Canet gives up a profound earthy/savory nose, revealing notes of tilled soil, woodsmoke, mossy tree bark, fungi and bouquet garni with a core of raspberry preserves, boysenberries and dried cherries plus a hint of warm cassis. Medium-bodied, it has a firm grainy texture and a softly spoken, savory character in the mouth, finishing with lingering oolong tea and dried herbs notes.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2020
A softer, less powerful and less prodigiously endowed Pontet Canet, the 2012 exhibits notes of creme de cassis and new barrique vanillin followed by a medium-bodied, elegant wine with sweeter tannin (and less of it) than is found in the great vintages that immediately precede it. The 2012 is certainly outstanding and, in fact, many readers may prefer it to the blockbuster, out-of-this-world, over-sized 2010, 2009 and 2008. Medium-bodied, pure and expressive, this classic Pauillac should only require 5-6 years of cellaring. It should drink well for two decades thereafter. No one will confuse the 2012 Pontet Canet with the 2008, 2009 or 2010, but proprietor Alfred Tesseron has turned in another high level performance in this more challenging vintage (especially true in the Medoc).
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206