2003

The 2003 vintage will always remind us of the summer heatwave. Flowering, which occurred in the last fortnight in May, suggested that harvesting would be around 15^th to 20^th September. With the exceptional weather conditions in August we thought for a time that the harvesting date would have to be brought forward. However, with the knowledge we have of our terroir and having repeatedly tasted the fruit, the choice of mid-September was unavoidable. Acidity remained close to normal despite potentially high levels, particularly in the best terroirs and oldest plots. Maintaining good balance, even in complicated years, is always the hallmark of a great terroir.

Château Pontet-Canet 2003 - Tasting notes :

Very intense colour. The very powerful nose features an excellent balance between fruit (blackberry, raspberry) and wood (liquorice, toasty notes). On the palate, the attack is full but very mild. This wine stands out with its fine length and imposing structure – a characteristic of great Pauillacs - made up of extremely smooth tannins. The finish shows no trace of aggressiveness and is very long.  

Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet 2003 - Tasting notes :

The robe is a deep ruby red. Very expressive nose with hints of blackcurrant and blackberries, as well as liquorice. An elegant woody note is the mark of well controlled ageing. On the palate, the attack is round and full. The tannic structure is powerful and well-balanced. This wine’s great maturity recalls the exceptional conditions in which the vintage was produced.