This is one of those wines that proves just how great a so-called “classic” vintage can be. The 2014 Pontet-Canet is refined and full of character. There's structure, sure, but it’s wrapped in silky tannins and pure fruit—think blackcurrant, plum, and a little smoky spice with hints of pencil shavings and earth. It’s still got some growing to do, but even now it's deeply enjoyable and will only get better with time. The use of amphora and biodynamic practices really bring out a clean, mineral edge that gives it freshness and vibrancy.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 98
Published: Feb 13, 2017

A stunning wine for this vintage although it'sstill a bit shy on the nose (more spice than fruit showing than now). There's wet earth, too, but on the palate it'sbursting with ripe yet subtle flavors. Very long and complex finish that goes on and on. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: May 29, 2020
Drink: 2024-2050

Deep garnet with a hint of purple to the color, the 2014 Pontet-Canet gives a very serious, classic Pauillac nose of blackcurrant preserves, baked blackberries and warm black plums with suggestions of menthol, pencil lead, woodsmoke, cassia and cast-iron pan plus a hint of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with black and blue fruit preserves with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and bold freshness, giving lift to the long, exotic spice-laced finish. It is approachable now, but really should start to make jaws drop in another 4-5 years. 

Decanter | D 94
Published: Sep 17, 2021
Drink: 2025-2045

Similar to the 2011, the 2014 has added aromatic steeliness, especially compared with the 2012. However, the 2014 displays lovely fruit purity of cassis, red and black berry on the palate, and I like the tension, even if 2012 wins on sumptuousness. Aged 50% new oak , 35% amphora.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Medium
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 4% Cabernet Franc 65% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot

Pontet-canet.com

If the tale of the 2014 vintage were to be told, the story would begin with a particularly mild and damp winter. Springtime brought the kind of conditions we are more used to. The first flowers emerged timidly in late May then, in the space of a warm and dry weekend, filled the air with their subtle and heady scent, with the result that in the end flowering was very even.
With our approach we seek to work within nature as a whole, not to control it but to be part of it and live in harmony with it. Veraison, when the grapes start to change colour, began in late July and lasted until mid-August on account of the mixed weather. A true Indian summer set in during September, with hot days and very dry conditions which put a smile on winegrowers’ faces again. There was no need for any special measures either in the vineyard or in the vat-house, where the colour and the tannins were easily extracted. Ultimately, 2014 will be remembered for its untroubled harvest and a crop in
perfect health, the preconditions for a successful vintage.

Tasting
An intense crimson, the wine has a bewitching nose with clearly defined and precise fruit, underlined by mineral notes which connect the wine to the terroir from which it came.
The full and elegant attack leads into a fresh, dense and silky mid-palate on chiselled tannins, followed by an impressively long finish.
A harmonious and energetic wine and a great success.

Harvest: from September 29th to October 10th
Grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon - 30% Merlot 4% Cabernet Franc - 1% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 13.5°