Pontet Canet 1998

A pleasant, dark ruby-colored, elegant Pauillac, the 1998 displays hollowness on the mid-palate along with notes of red and black currants, tobacco, dried herbs, and earth. Although solidly-made, there is not much depth. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012.

One of the better Pauillacs. Pure blackcurrant nose with a touch of pencil lead. Tight now but fine powerful black fruits underneath. Well-defined. Cigar-box. Good grip and depth. Excellent effort. Tasted March 2000. Drink 2006 - 2015

This wine reveals tough, astringent tannin in addition to plenty of new oak. The dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by fine ripeness as well as a muscular, super-charged attack. However, it then becomes compressed, with the tannin assuming the upper hand. This wine will need to be retasted after bottling to see if some of the tannic ferocity has been toned down. It is a good, but old style, rustic Bordeaux that will have limited appeal for those with modern day tastes. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.

Pontet-Canet's dark ruby/purple-colored, closed 1998 (a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot) is undoubtedly a vin de garde. The high tannin level makes the wine taste compressed, but there is sweet black cherry and cassis fruit intermixed with earth and oak. This is a punishing style of Pontet-Canet, and patience will be required for it to round into shape, despite its high percentage of Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.