Reminding me of the 2010 and, I suspect, a wine that will merit a triple-digit rating in a decade or so (I tasted this on multiple occasions and thought it was perfect on one of them), the 2016 Château Pontet-Canet comes from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot that spent 16 months in 50% new French oak, 35% in concrete amphora, and the rest in second fill oak. Thrilling notes of pure crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, crushed mint, graphite, and crushed rock notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, yet elegant Pauillac. The style of this wine has become more and more finesse-driven and pure, yet it hasn’t lost a beat on concentration or length. This singular, beautiful Pontet-Canet needs 7-8 years of cellaring (it has some accessibility today given its purity and balance) and will keep for 4-5 decades.

This is sappy and rich in feel, with waves of red and black currant preserves, raspberry and bitter plum coulis. The long finish drips with sweet tobacco and anise notes, while a brambly layer courses underneath. The vivacious finish kicks into second gear as the fruit and grip come together. (JM)

The 2016 Pontet Canet has a strange and rather monotone bouquet that lacks the amplitude of its peers. The palate is fleshy and rounded, more red than black fruit, lower acidity, with just a little warmth on the otherwise pleasant finish. This is totally different to the bottle tasted at the château. Would the real Pontet Canet please stand up? Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Vivid and distinctly aromatic nose of herbs, thyme and menthol. Concentrated, very precise and chiseled, with a medium to full body. Showing great detail and linear fruit that is particularly attractive. Really captivating. Enjoyable now or suitable for further aging. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

The 2016 Pontet-Canet is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 39% Merlot, with less Cabernet this year due to the size of the berries. I tasted the wine on two visits to the property about two weeks apart, plus additional tastings at négociants. It has an intense bouquet with layers of blackberry, sloes and fresh mint, with just a hint of black truffle in the background. It is certainly a little more opulent compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, a little spicier than I expected (in a positive sense) with gentle grip in the mouth. It fans out confidently, a voluminous Pontet-Canet with an extremely persistent aftertaste, and a saline, balsamic finish. This is an extravagant Pauillac for the vintage that will age for many years.