2003 Ch. Pontet-Canet, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac

Why so fresh? Partly organic this year. He thinks that having worked the vineyards, this encouraged the roots to go down deep. Again, deep crimson. Quite full and ripe and rich on the nose - different from the rest. Succulent and juicy with sufficient freshness. Just a very slightly burnt note on the nose. A bit chewy on the finish. Sweet and flattering.
(Jancis Robinson – www.jancisrobinson.com – Jan 10)

One of the great successes of the vintage and certainly one of the most profound Pontet-Canets made over the last decade is the 2003. Deep purple to the rim with a glorious nose of scorched earth, black currant jam, smoke, licorice, and roasted meats, it is full-bodied, incredibly powerful, dense, with low acidity but high tannin, broad-shouldered, and savory. This is a stunning, pure, classic Pontet-Canet.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Apr-2006)