My pilgrimage through the landscape of French viticulture continues with another vintage of Château Pontet-Canet. I previously tasted the 2006 vintage, and though I enjoyed it, the 2019 provides an entirely different tasting experience that very closely matches my conceptual ideal of what a Bordeaux should be.
The 2019 Pontet-Canet bursts with black currant, plum, and dark chocolate. Notes of tobacco and cedar gently penetrate the base of dark fruit in the long finish. The wine possesses an uncanny lightness on the palate despite exhibiting intense, rich flavors. Interestingly, this wine's most unique aspect may be how it effortlessly navigates this apparent contradiction.
The tannins are slightly sharp and decoupled, but I’m not surprised, given the youth of this vintage. Given a decade in the cellar, the 2019 Pontet-Canet may be close to perfect.