2009 Grand Pontet

A blend of 70% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has an opaque purple color and a sweet nose of vanillin, roasted coffee beans, chocolate and kirsch liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits such as cassis. It is rich, full-bodied, moderately tannic, but low in acidity and quite heady and powerful (15% natural alcohol). This impressive wine is a big, back-strapping effort to drink over the next 15+ years. Produced by Sylvie Pourquet, the sister of Gerard and Dominique Becot, this St.-Emilion grand cru classe comes from a 35-acre vineyard that consistently makes top flight wines, but I don’t think they have ever made one as impressive as their 2009.

Ripe and well balanced. Zesty freshness on the finish. Won%u2019t disappoint. Drink 2014-2022

Tasted at the Association de Crus Class? tasting at Grand Pontet. Light blackberry and boysenberry on the nose: delineated and fresh with good lift, some earthy notes developing with time in the glass. The palate is fresh and lively, good definition, lifted black fruit, racy acidity, the oak just a little too toasty on the finish but I have already enjoyed this Grand Pontet. I sincerely hope that the ?levage is not too long, because this is a fine ?09 Saint Emilion. Tasted March 2010.