Chateau Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2013

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot): Deep ruby. Very aromatic nose of dark plum, blackcurrant jelly and violet. Sweet and supple in the mouth, with lively floral flavors of dark fruits and allspice. Finishes persistent and pure, with smooth tannins, but just a little too diffuse for a higher score. Not an especially concentrated Pontet-Canet but has plenty of fruity charm. Production was 50% lower than usual at Pontet-Canet in 2013, and no second wine was made. Alfred Tesseron doesn't believe a second wine is necessary if an estate works well during the course of the year, all the wine it makes should reflect this, so our goal ideally is not to have a second wine.

• Reviewer Name: Ian d'Agata
• Review Date: May 2014