Pontet-Canet Pauillac 1996

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "One or two people had suggested that this might be past its best; after all, it predates the innovations and application of biodynamics overseen by Alfred Tesseron by several years. On the contrary, it has aged beautifully. 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. Drink: 2020-2032. (Sep 2020)"

92 points Robert Parker: "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. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035. (Apr 1999)"

91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "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. (May/Jun 1999)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas of black licorice, currant and toasted oak. Full-bodied, with silky, refined tannins and a medium finish. Holding back still.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. (2007)"

91 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "In the context of this vintage and the amazing success of all the others that followed, we are a little disappointed. It has the finesse and the class of cabernet sauvignon in this vintage, but with less richness than the 1998, for example. Drink: 2011 up to 2016. (2011)"

17/20 points The World of Fine Wine: "Deep red. The nose is reticent, with a slight confected tone, but also some lift. This is medium-bodied, concentrated, and still tight and sleek, but surprisignly unevolved in its lack of secondary flavors. Yet it's already very drinkable, spicy, and lively, thanks to its descreet but present acidity, and only some rather furry tannins mar the pleasure. Long. (Issue 26; 2009)"

17/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Full colour. A ripe wine. Stylish too. But quite a lot of oak. The wine itself is not that big or concentrated. Medium-full body. Ripe, rich and classy. Good length and depth. Not a blockbuster but lovely and very long. Very good indeed. (2004)"