Chateau Pontet Canet 2003

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years."

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dichtes Granat, viel violette und schwarze Reflexe. Königliches, reifes Cabernet-Bouquet, dunkle Edelhölzer, Mokka, Heidelbeeren, zarte Rauchnoten, sehr tiefgründig. Im Gaumen fleischig mit muskulöser Textur, intensive Adstringenz, ein Klassiker mit sehr gutem Potenzial. Gut möglich, dass der Pontet-Canet in der Genussreife erstmals 19 Punkte erreicht."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "With a smoky tint, licorice, mint, burnt embers, cassis and a touch of oak to open the nose, the wine gets started. Full-bodied, round, fat and rich, with a blast of sweet, ripe, cocoa and dark chocolate dusted, crisp dark red and black fruits with a hint of dried herbs in the finish. With time, the texture became even more opulent. This is drinking great today. There is no touch of heat, jam or overripe ripe characteristics in the wine. Decanted for an hour, (which is all it needs) this is fully ready to go."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Pure ripe fruit on the nose with raspberries and blueberries. Full bodied, with round and silky tannins and a pretty polish to this ripe and fruit forward wine. Pull the cork after 2014. Find the wine."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Dark plum, fig and blackberry fruit shows a hint of torréfaction but stay fairly juicy and defined, while singed cedar, smoldering tobacco and charcoal notes score the finish. Cedar and dried currant fruit wind up together at the every end. Very Pauillac, and though a touch short on refinement, this shows good stuffing and energy for the vintage.—Blind ´01/´03/´05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Best from 2020 through 2032. 22,500 cases made."