Château Pontet-Canet 2022 - Pauillac (5ème Grand Cru Classé), Bordeaux, France
One of the standout wines of the 2022 Bordeaux vintage, Château Pontet-Canet continues its remarkable run of form with a powerful yet beautifully composed Pauillac. This biodynamically farmed estate, long considered one of the most progressive classed growths, delivers a wine of both intensity and precision.
The 2022 opens with a deep, complex aromatic profile of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry, layered with graphite, cedar, tobacco and subtle floral lift. On the palate it is full-bodied and densely structured, with creamy yet finely grained tannins and a vibrant thread of acidity that keeps the richness in check. There’s real depth and concentration here, but also freshness and clarity, leading to a long, mineral-tinged finish that speaks clearly of Pauillac’s gravel soils.
Grape varieties: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Style: Dry red, full-bodied classified growth Bordeaux
Drink window: 2028–2045+ (with potential for much longer ageing)
Perfect for: Roast lamb, ribeye steak, game, braised beef, aged cheeses
Critic scores:
• 100 points - Jeb Dunnuck
• 99–100 points - James Suckling
• 97–99 points - Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW)
• 95–97 points - Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
• 96 points - Jane Anson
Powerful, precise and profoundly expressive - a benchmark Pauillac and one of the stars of the 2022 vintage.
