Wines Pauillac Château Pontet-Canet - 1994

Château Pontet-Canet 1994 is a quintessential Pauillac, originating from one of Bordeaux’s most revered appellations. This wine is crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot; the 1994 vintage saw a classic blend, shaped by the estate's commitment to low-intervention viticulture, even before its later conversion to biodynamics. The gravelly soils typical of Pauillac impart both power and finesse, allowing for stately structure and ageing potential. The growing season in 1994 brought some challenges—a cooler summer and timely warmth in September—resulting in wines with moderate ripeness, fine tannins, and lively acidity. After traditional fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, gaining complexity and integration over time.

Pauillac, along the left bank of the Gironde estuary, is famed for its deep gravel soils which force the vines to sink roots deep, extracting minerality and character from the terroir. Its maritime climate, regulated by the river, tempers extremes, supporting slow, even ripening. The history of Pauillac is inseparable from the legends of Bordeaux: the area boasts several First Growths and a proud legacy of crafting some of the world’s most ageworthy red wines, marked by cassis, cedar, graphite, and savoury undertones.

With nearly three decades of bottle age, your 1994 Pontet-Canet reveals mature aromas of leather, truffle, cigar box, dried blackcurrant and gentle spice, balanced by a persistent freshness. Pairing such an elegant, evolved claret calls for classic fare: roast lamb with rosemary, entrecôte à la bordelaise, or even duck breast with winter root vegetables. Cheeses like aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire also marry beautifully with this style.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine gently for about an hour to separate any sediment and awaken the nuanced bouquet. Serve at 17-18°C; this will showcase the wine’s complexity without exaggerating any remaining tannins. Enjoy with good company and savour each subtle layer that this venerable Pauillac has developed over time.