96 Robert Parker
Composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pontet-Canet gives up beautifully fragrant notes of rosehip tea, lilacs, cinnamon stick, cloves, dried leaves and underbrush with a core of kirsch, raspberry coulis, warm plums and red and black currants plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing, minerally and wonderfully elegant with a well-played texture of approachable, plush tannins and a long, fragrant finish. Beautiful. Aging took place in 50% new and 15% in second fill barrels and the remaining 35% in amphorae for 16 months, much of the material for which came from the soil at Pontet-Canet!<br/>
18 Rene Gabriel
André Kunz: Dichtes, frisches, komplexes, fruchtiges Bouquet, Johannisbeergelee, Cassis, Lakritze, Minze, fein Eukalyptus, frische Kräuter. Dichtverwobener, cremiger, fein opulenter Gaumen mit kräftiger, süsser Frucht, viele feinem Tannin, erotischer Struktur, kräftiger, süsser Aromatik, sehr langer, kräftiger Abgang mit vielen Rückaromen. Kann noch zulegen. 18/20 2025 - 2050
94 Wine Spectator
Very tight, with notes of wet stone, plum pit and chalky minerality leading the way, backed by an ample core of steeped currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit waiting to unfurl. The finish smolders with cast iron details. Should round into form with cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. — JM