2019 Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, France, 750mL (98 points)

The 2019 Château Pontet-Canet is a masterful blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple, it reveals complex aromas of creme de cassis, cherries, violets, prunes, and underbrush, with hints of spice box, iron ore, and Ceylon tea. The palate is rich and concentrated, offering smooth, layered textures supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of blackcurrant, liquorice, and cocoa are complemented by cool blueberries and smoked earth, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish. Balanced and precise, this wine combines restrained power with elegance, promising exceptional aging potential. Aged in a mix of concrete, new oak, and amphoras, it exemplifies the estate's skillful winemaking and innovation.