2020 Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, France 750ml

Opaque purple-black in color, it needs significant aeration and swirling to coax out evocative notes of black cherry preserves, raspberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles and damp soil, before launching into gorgeous floral and spice notions of red roses, cinnamon stick, star anise and cardamom, with a waft of crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals a lot of depth and polish, delivering mouth-coating red and black fruits with loads of fragrant earth and floral sparks, framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral tinged. This is a singular, fascinating expression of the vintage and highly recommended! (LPB)

Deep plum in colour at 11 years old, barely budging through the mid palate. A vintage that rivals the best ever in Bordeaux, this is richly layered with sweet liqourice, eucalyptus, cigar box, blackberry and cassis, with a fennel twist on the finish. Classically Pauillac, stately, ageing slowly but surely, and only now at the stage where you can confidently open it to drink over supper - with a long carafe first of up to 6 hours. Relatively high alcohol for a Pauillac wine adds to the round mouthfeel but not a trace of heat. Harvest September 29 to October 17. First year of biodynamic certification.