Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2012

96 points (18/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2012 still stands out as one of Bordeaux's greatest wines, in a magical burst of fruit. (2015)"

94-96 points Neal Martin (Wine Journal): "A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 30% Merlot, the latter was cropped from 4th October and the Cabernet Sauvignon from 11th October, finishing six days later. The 50% of the crop once aged in new oak and one-year old barrels are now matured in concrete vats whilst 35% of the crop is aged in clay amphora quarried from their own vineyard. There is certainly great purity and terroir expression on the nose: blackberry, briary and background scents of fresh raspberry and cold stone. The definition is very impressive. The palate is interesting – quite different from the previous vintages. I love the tannins here – very fine but lending the Pontet-Canet great backbone It is utterly harmonious but I feel more understated, perhaps more controlled than recent vintages. The finish is much more introspective – a Pauillac politely informing you to go away and wait before bottling before making any judgement! This is a divine Pontet Canet - very succinct. Tasted April 2013."

95 points Panos Kakaviatos (Decanter): "What an expressive nose! Plump, fruit driven, juicy cherry, blackberry, ripe cassis and rose stem. The opposite of the 2011, this is round and suave, albeit with not quite as long a finish. A juicy, bright palate with high alcohol and full body, some oak derived coffee tones, with burgeoning touches of earth. The first vintage with 35% ageing in concrete amphorae. Drinking Window: 2021-2045. (Sep 2021)"

94 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "Beautiful fruit purity on the nose, black fruits, a little damson, even wild black cherry, some hedgerow fruits, wrapped in a little spiced tobacco. A very polished, accessible palate, with a spicy energy to the structure. Quite elegant, poised, with a lightly chalky edge to the tannins, but a classic composition, very primary, structured and spicy. A little suggestion of softness to the overall package. Still very appealing though, with some peppery structure in the finish. (Apr 2016)"

94 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "2012 is the first vintage to use amphora during the aging process, the wine. The nose opens with cigar box, underbrush, leafy herbs, black currants, and tobacco wrapper. There is a nice creamy quality to the sweet, red fruits, with length, freshness, and loads of fruit on the backend. This is one of the top Left Bank wines of this mixed vintage. The wine blends 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2025-2050. (7/9/22)"

93+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "A wine of real class, pedigree and distinction, the 2012 Pontet-Canet is absolutely gorgeous. The flavors are beautifully nuanced and delineated throughout. Bright floral notes add lift and sensuality. The 2012 is decidedly understated next to some other recent vintages, but the magic of this site simply won't be denied. This is another sublime wine from proprietor Alfred Tesseron. Drink: 2018-2032. (Jan 2016)"

93 points Robert Parker: "This impeccably run, biodynamically farmed estate of Alfred Tesseron goes from strength to strength. The 2012 triumphs once again with its notes of dark plum, blackcurrant, licorice and almost a hint of truffle, its full-bodied, supple tannins, and beautiful, expensive mouthfeel. Complex and deep, this dense ruby/purple-colored wine may not be at the level of the 2009 or 2010, but it is a successful wine in this vintage, and a significant wine in 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035. (Apr 2015)"

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Deep garnet in color, the 2012 Pontet-Canet gives up a profound earthy/savory nose, revealing notes of tilled soil, woodsmoke, mossy tree bark, fungi and bouquet garni with a core of raspberry preserves, boysenberries and dried cherries plus a hint of warm cassis. Medium-bodied, it has a firm grainy texture and a softly spoken, savory character in the mouth, finishing with lingering oolong tea and dried herbs notes. Drink: 2020-2041. (May 2020)"

93 points Peter Moser (Falstaff) (1/12/22).

93 points James Suckling: "This shows incredible decadence and opulence for the vintage with dried meat, black berry, blueberries and hints of mushroom. Full body, very polished silky tannins and a chewy finish. Lots of richness for the vintage. Persistent palate. This was aged 35% in cement eggs for 12 months. Better in 2018. (2/8/15)"

93 points Tim Atkin, MW (Apr 2013).