Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 2009

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Curious nose, clearly very ripe but also a touch confected; still, it does have intensity of fruit as well as rather strident oak. Very rich, opulent, and spicy, but the alcohol is prominent. There’s a charred quality that may be oak-derived or could come from raisined fruit. Moderate yet rather dry tannins mark the finish. A bit too effortful for my taste.

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Notes of slightly stewed fruit on the nose. Raised acidity on the palate, some elegant crunchy red fruit, not quite the degree of richness and ripeness for really high quality, but a good structure and plenty of elegance.

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Dense red, young rim, very good density of fragrant fruit, lots of depth and quite lush flavours. Robustly structured and masses of earthy ripeness, will be impressive in the robust style of Pauillac.