Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet is the second wine of Château Pontet-Canet, crafted to express the estate’s Pauillac character in a more approachable and earlier-drinking style. Produced from younger vines and selected parcels not included in the grand vin, it reflects the same meticulous vineyard work and philosophy, offering a clear insight into the estate’s identity.
The blend is typically led by Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot and smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot depending on the vintage. Aromatically, the wine commonly shows blackcurrant, red cherry and plum, layered with notes of cedar, graphite, spice and a subtle floral lift that echoes its Pauillac origins.
On the palate, Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet is medium-bodied and supple, with a fresh, fruit-driven core framed by fine, approachable tannins. Compared with the grand vin, it emphasises balance and accessibility, delivering structure without the same level of density or intensity. This makes it particularly attractive in its youth while still capable of short- to medium-term ageing.
The winemaking approach mirrors that of the main estate, including careful extraction and élevage designed to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression. Oak is used with restraint, contributing gentle spice and integration without overshadowing the wine’s freshness.
Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet typically offers its best drinking within five to ten years of the vintage, depending on the year. For collectors and enthusiasts, it provides an accessible entry point into the Pontet-Canet style, combining Pauillac structure with a more immediate, polished profile.
