After the epic 2009, we could only hope that nature would work in series offering us a 2010 of similar greatness. In Bordeaux, each vintage is unique and cannot be truly regarded as any other. Wine, like any offspring, has two parents : a "Mother" (the Year) and a "Father" (the Terroir), inheriting a bit a both whilst remaining individual.During the growth period, we seek to support the terroir and the vines in a most natural way, according to the year’s prevailing climatic conditions. To harmonise the annual cycle, we make use of plants, flowers and gentle handling of soil and vines. The effectiveness of this technique was particularly noticeable this year with a later start than normal of the growing season. This was followed by unstable weather disturbing the flowering period and therefore reducing the grape production, particularly amongst the old Merlot vines. Then, at last an extensive period of sun and drought arrived, leading to the prediction of a great vintage. By ceasing all harsh work in our viticulture, we were able to protect the grapes from excessive heat and preserve the subtlety and finesse of the fruit from the great terroirs for a future wine. We extended our use of horses to replace the heavy and compacting activity of the tractor. This year some 24 hectares of vines were dedicated to horse traction, compared with 7 hectares in the previous year. This required the design and creation of special purpose horse drawn equipment in order to carry out all year-round operations (treatments,...). In a very positive state of mind, we began the harvest on the 29th of September starting with the Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon followed on the 9th of October, with the total harvest being completed by the 17th of October. The strong, calm and reassuring step of the gentle horses, working the vineyards and transporting the harvest, has contributed so much to the serene atmosphere of our domaine, as well as enabling greater loving care of the vines. Recognising that great wines are created primarily in the vineyard, we have steadily reduced our vinification to the key essentials. Work in the Vat Room is undertaken with even greater precision to reveal the grapes’ true potential. The result is that our organic and biodynamic approach to viticulture now benefits from a double certification for the 2010 production. The wine is still only a young child but it should be one of the best wines ever produced at the property during a period of over three hundred vintages which have held the Chateau Pontet-Canet name. But above all else, we are very proud of our 2010.