Chateau Pontet Canet   Pontet Canet

1999 Pontet Canet

By Chateau Pontet Canet

1999 Pontet Canet from Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac, Bordeaux

In the pantheon of Bordeaux vintages, enthusiasts may whisper of the formidable '82s or revere the '61s. Yet, often slipping through the homage is the underrated 1999 vintage, particularly encapsulated in its grace by Chateau Pontet Canet. The 1999 Pontet Canet from this august estate stands as a testament to a season marked by careful balance and attention to vinicultural detail.

 

Towards the Millennium: A Vintage Curiosity

In Pauillac, 1999 was a year that did not seek the limelight with bombast; instead, it thrived on subtlety. The growing conditions spoke of challenge—it was neither plagued by excessive rains nor scorched by an unrelenting sun—and the result in the glass is a compelling testimony to the craft at Chateau Pontet Canet. The moderate weather patterns culminated in yielding fruit with pronounced maturity while retaining commendable acidity levels.

 

The Charisma of Patience: An Investor’s Quiet Prize

The 1999 Pontet Canet bears colours of deep garnet hues whilst hinting on the nose of tertiary notes beginning to blossom among primary blackcurrant and tobacco—signifiers of its poised evolution. On sampling, the palate unfolds layers, with developed flavours indicating truffles and earth commingling seamlessly with dark berry richness. What was evident upon release as ample tannic structure has become gracious with age, softening into a velvety elegance.

Savouring this wine now, two decades hence, one can unravel the intricate stitches of temperate climes upon well-tended vines—a Pauillac that whispers rather than shouts its worth. From an investment perspective, this 1999 Pontet Canet presents an attractive addition to collections attuned to wines that speak a more storied language—one that grows richer with each passing year.

The offering from Chateau Pontet Canet remains representative of a Pauillac's precision and strength while affirming itself as an understated journey through time—which will not only intrigue the connoisseur's palate but also promises to sustain interest as an asset in any sophisticated wine portfolio.

Current market price

$1,610.00

12x75cl

Highest score

90

POP score

97

Scores and tasting notes

90

Tasted at the Pontet-Canet vertical in London, the 1999 Château Pontet-Canet put in a respectable showing and demonstrated more class than either the 1996 or1982. Well-defined on the nose, there is a satisfying delivery of blackberry and blueberry fruit infused with dried blood and incense as it moves into its secondary stage. The palate is medium-bodied with classic tobacco-infused black fruit. There is nice salinity here, not a complex Pauillac by any stretch of the imagination, although there is impressive precision on the conservative finish. Probably at its peak now, the 1999 Pontet-Canet is a wine that never had lofty ambitions, but a wine that I would welcome on my table. Tasted February 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016

89

Tasted at Berry Bros. vertical in London. A deep garnet core. The nose is firmly moving towards secondary aromas, touches of dried leaves, blackberry leaf, leather, mulberry fruit with mint just developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced, a soft texture on the entry, lithe tannins, just a little leafy and quite understated. Not a wine to intellectualize over, the finish quite tarry and a little foursquare. Moderate length. Fine, but probably drinking well over the next 5 years, not 10. Tasted October 2009.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2010

88

Licorice, creme de cassis, and toasty oak are typical of this classic Pauillac. It is full-bodied, with excellent sweetness, grip, structure, and more tannin than many 1999s possess. This structured, muscular effort will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140 April 2002

Vintage performance