1996 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac

“Cedar, scorched earth and mint blossomed on a nose that is firmly into its secondary phase, yet laden with more fruit than expected considering both its age and the austere style of Left Bank 1996s. The palate might be nearing the end of its drinking plateau, so don’t hold back if you own a few bottles. But I admired its balance and density, its structure and classicism, and the typical Pauillac traits of cedar and a touch of mint toward the finish. I savored it down to the last drop. (NM)” (09/2020)

“I was shocked by how backward the 1996 Pontet-Canet was on the three occasions I tasted it in January. This wine possesses superb potential, but it appears a decade's worth of patience will be necessary. The color is a saturated dark purple. With coaxing, the wine offers aromas of black currant jam intertwined with minerals, sweet oak, and spice. A full-bodied wine, it possesses layered, concentrated, sweet fruit, with an elevated level of ripe tannin. (RP)” (04/1999)

“Deep ruby-red. Blackcurrant, plum, tobacco and black olive nose is more complex and serious than that of either of the foregoing vintages. Thick, grapey and concentrated; still quite primary. This shows the fat and depth of the '96 vintage in the northern Medoc. Finishes long, with substantial tannins. Impressive. (ST)” (05/1999)

“Aromas of black licorice, currant and toasted oak. Full-bodied, with silky, refined tannins and a medium finish. (JS)” (03/2007)

“Very dark crimson. Very glossy. Lightly charred nose. Very sweet and relatively luscious for the vintage. Still firm in the Pontet-Canet mould. Ripe yet fresh. Dense.” (01/2010)