2003 Chateau Pontet-Canet Pauillac

95 Points - Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

“The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years.”

94 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous

“The 2003 Pontet Canet has a precocious bouquet with blueberry, cassis, crushed violet and pastille-like fruit, perhaps more delineation than its peers. There's a nice focus here. The palate is well balanced with finely-knit tannins, a sorbet-like freshness, lightly spiced with hints of bacon fat emanating from that notorious warm summer. With a brightness on the finish, this is a superior Pauillac from 2003 and is recommended. Tasted at the chateau.”

93 Points - James Suckling

“Pure ripe fruit on the nose with raspberries and blueberries. Full bodied, with round and silky tannins and a pretty polish to this ripe and fruit forward wine. Pull the cork after 2014.”

93 Points - Wine Spectator

“Dark plum, fig and blackberry fruit shows a hint of torrefaction but stay fairly juicy and defined, while singed cedar, smoldering tobacco and charcoal notes score the finish. Cedar and dried currant fruit wind up together at the every end. Very Pauillac, and though a touch short on refinement, this shows good stuffing and energy for the vintage. -- Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Best from 2020 through 2032. 22,500 cases made.”