{"title":"Bordeaux 4.30.26","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"k103","title":"Chateau Pontet Canet 750 ml","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"878\"\u003eThere are estates in Bordeaux that make “great wine,” and then there are the rare ones that feel like they’re altering the very trajectory of what great Bordeaux \u003cem data-start=\"638\" data-end=\"645\"\u003emeans\u003c\/em\u003e. Pontet-Canet has spent the last two decades in that second category—a quiet revolution unfolding in Pauillac, driven by horses, compost teas, cover crops, and a kind of biodynamic faith that once drew skepticism but now draws envy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"1408\"\u003eAnd the 2022 is a landmark. A wine forged in a heat-struck vintage where the châteaux who survived did so on sheer vineyard intelligence. Few handled the season with more grace than Alfred Tesseron and winemaker Mathieu Bessonnet. Their vines, deeply rooted in the Günzian gravel of Pauillac and farmed biodynamically since 2004, seemed to meet the heat with poise—producing a wine that is both powerful and startlingly fresh, dense yet light on its feet, modern in purity but unmistakably Pontet-Canet in its textural serenity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1410\" data-end=\"1986\"\u003eThe nose alone feels like a slow unfurling: blackcurrant and warm blackberry, violets crushed between the fingers, graphite, cedar shavings, a whiff of cocoa nib, and the faintest lift of mint and licorice. The palate is an architectural thing—broad-shouldered but harmonious, built on perfectly ripe Cabernet Sauvignon and that signature Pontet-Canet silk, the tannins long, elegant, savory, almost mineral in their definition. Despite the vintage’s heat, the wine finishes with remarkable tension and length, leaving behind a trail of dark fruit, earth, and Pauillac gravel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2338\"\u003eTechnically, everything here reinforces the singularity of the estate: hand-harvesting, optical sorting, amphora-integrated élevage, minimal new oak, and biodynamic rigor practiced at First Growth intensity. This is a Fifth Growth only by historic classification; by reputation, it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its most prestigious neighbors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2340\" data-end=\"2582\"\u003eThe 2022 Pontet-Canet is not merely a success—it’s one of the wines of the vintage. A bottle that collectors will chase for decades, and one that reminds us how Bordeaux, even in a changing climate, can still deliver wines of profound beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2340\" data-end=\"2582\"\u003eCritical acclaim: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"755\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"448\"\u003e98–100 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (The Wine Independent)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"451\"\u003e“\u003cem data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"754\"\u003eDeeply fragrant and arresting, the 2022 Pontet-Canet delivers layers of blackcurrants, warm plums, crushed violets, licorice, graphite, and essence of gravel. The palate is electric—silky, harmonious, and superbly long, with extraordinary purity and freshness for the vintage. A stunning achievement.\u003c\/em\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"1074\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"805\"\u003e97–99 Points, Wine Advocate (William Kelley)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"808\"\u003e“\u003cem data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"1073\"\u003eThe 2022 Pontet-Canet is a brilliant wine in the making—perfumed, vibrant, and beautifully balanced, offering the estate’s hallmark purity of fruit with even greater depth and precision than usual. A wine of real energy, seamless texture, and Pauillac authority.\u003c\/em\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1337\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1108\"\u003e96–99 Points, James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1111\"\u003e“\u003cem data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1336\"\u003eA wine of tension and finesse with an impressive core of blackberry, cassis, and mineral character. Tannins are long and fine. Remarkable freshness despite the heat of the year. Very Pontet-Canet in its biodynamic clarity.\u003c\/em\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1337\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2428\"\u003eTechnical Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2428\" data-end=\"2431\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2449\"\u003eAppellation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pauillac, 5ème Grand Cru Classé (1855)\u003cbr data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2491\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2493\" data-end=\"2505\"\u003eFarming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Certified biodynamic since 2010; estate horses plow 50%+ of vineyard parcels\u003cbr data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2585\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2597\"\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot (final assemblage may vary slightly)\u003cbr data-start=\"2706\" data-end=\"2709\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2724\"\u003eVine Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50+ years average\u003cbr data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2745\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2747\" data-end=\"2757\"\u003eSoils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep Günzian gravel over limestone\u003cbr data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2795\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2809\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual, with optical sorting\u003cbr data-start=\"2838\" data-end=\"2841\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2843\" data-end=\"2860\"\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Concrete and oak vats; gentle extraction\u003cbr data-start=\"2901\" data-end=\"2904\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2906\" data-end=\"2918\"\u003eÉlevage:\u003c\/strong\u003e A mix of new French oak (50%), one-year barrels, and amphorae\u003cbr data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"2983\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2997\"\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~13.5% (final bottling may vary)\u003cbr data-start=\"3030\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3035\" data-end=\"3055\"\u003eWinemaking Team:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alfred Tesseron (Owner), Mathieu Bessonnet (Technical Director\/Winemaker)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Misa","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":49956163453161,"sku":null,"price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2012","offer_id":45565098787049,"sku":"","price":124.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2014","offer_id":47769320882409,"sku":"","price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2015","offer_id":43681439613161,"sku":"3700446551155","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2016","offer_id":40860486336702,"sku":"","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2018","offer_id":44028348367081,"sku":"","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2019","offer_id":45921771487465,"sku":"58530119","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2021","offer_id":43151977513193,"sku":"","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/2805\/7022\/products\/image_11171678-229d-4085-a852-ece706063d82.png?v=1632253621"},{"product_id":"tournefeuille-pomerol-2016","title":"Tournefeuille Lalande Pomerol","description":"","brand":"Left Bank","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43608689606889,"sku":"F16700","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/2805\/7022\/products\/image_a26f0440-c2c0-48f5-8f52-698880ca26d3.png?v=1632326127"},{"product_id":"chateau-laribotte","title":"Chateau Laribotte Sauternes","description":"","brand":"Left Bank","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42031959408873,"sku":"F13205","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/2805\/7022\/products\/image_e31ed8c9-1072-48fb-bcf2-cc719afd1427.jpg?v=1648065295"},{"product_id":"amiral-de-beychevelle","title":"Amiral de Beychevelle","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTo many casual wine drinkers, and certainly to me in my imbibing history, when you start to learn about Bordeaux, Chateau Beychevelle, the famous Fourth Growth located on the Left Bank in Saint Julien, immediately draws attention. And probably not for the best of reasons – it’s got a really cool, memorable label. Don’t believe me? Just ask the Chinese, where this wine, “The Grand Dragon Boat Bordeaux” is so popular that it sells out every year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhat is the label? It’s actually the tradition of a sailing ship paying homage to the admiral in what is known as \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebaisse voile\u003c\/em\u003e – lowering of the sails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBeychevelle’s history dates back to the ancient mists of the early 15\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, but it’s really in the mid 16\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century when the first Duke of Epernon took over the estate that its legend began. This first Duke was not only a Duke, but also a great French Admiral, and such was the respect for his Admiralty that all ships that passed the estate would give the \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ebaisse voile\u003c\/em\u003e. He in turn commissioned a great statue of a sailing ship at half-mast with a lengendary griffin on the prow. This in turn became the label of storied Beychevelle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs befitting a great Duke, you need not only a winery, but lots of vineyards through the rolling Medoc hillside, a garden in the size and style of Versailles, a \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003echai \u003c\/em\u003elarge enough to store all the wine you could ever want and party with, a chateau on top of the \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003echai\u003c\/em\u003e and well, eventually, an extra entire “Louisiana Wing” added onto the Chateau, so your American belle doesn’t get homesick.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAll of this is to say—and it becomes perfectly clear when you visit Beychevelle – it’s absolutely huge. Why does this matter to us? For two reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFirst, at its size, polish and posture, keeping up Beychevelle takes a lot of money. Which means that over the centuries Beychevelle did experience a slow and steady decline, at least in facilities as well as reputation. For us, this means that even today, memories of Beychevelle laid-low 100 years ago still depress its price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSecond, at its size, Beychevelle has a lot of vineyards. In fact, it has so many vineyards that in Saint Julien alone there are 80 separate plots scattered across the appellation. And then there are 22 more hectares of historic vineyards in the Haut-Medoc that are grandfathered in as Saint Julien. And then 14 more blocks next to Second Growth Giruard Larose, and 20 additional right next to Ducru Beaucaillou. And then finally some in Cussac, which is Haut-Medoc, and aren’t grandfathered in as Saint Julien. Whew!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSo what does this all mean to you? That we got a great deal, of course. And it’s worth a bit more explanation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBeychevelle in the past has made excellent wines. Take the 1982, a 94-point Parker, that was made from ALL of their various vineyards, with the \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrand Vin\u003c\/em\u003e getting 95% of “selection”, if you can even call it a selection at that level, and the second wine being 5%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBeychevelle, now, is still making excellent wines. Take the 96-point 2018 rating cited below. Of the entire estate, only 50% of the grapes went into the Grand Vin in 2018. Another 25% went into this, the second wine (the remaining 25% went into a third wine).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSo, this, the Amiral is still 100% Beychevelle. And look, some of that 2018 juice is 96 points. Sure, they’ve got a lot of land, but they always have. Nowadays, they are just making better selections. Selections for wines that need 20 years, and wines that drink great right now. Which is exactly what our Bevvie of a Big Boat is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis wine unfurls with a beautiful, and classic expression of black fruits on the nose, anise, cedar, a bit of minerality, seaspray and just a touch of toast. The palate moves us forward with an open expression of cherry fruit, cassis, and just a touch of black pepper. The finish is clean and fresh, befitting of a spritely Bordeaux, leaving your palate wanting more. At fours years old this wine is drinking in perfect form now, but will go at least four years further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBeychevelle may win your curiosity for its label, but the wine inside the bottle will win your heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Select Sellars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46825675981033,"sku":"550501","price":52.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/2805\/7022\/products\/image_0bd15c0a-7c47-4a48-9f8f-9e9163869eae.png?v=1643136438"},{"product_id":"graville-lacoste-graves-blanc-2022","title":"Graville Lacoste Graves Blanc","description":null,"brand":"Left Bank","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45862918455529,"sku":"F11300","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"chateau-la-cardonne-cru-bourgeois-medoc","title":"Chateau la Cardonne Cru Bourgeois Medoc 2018","description":"","brand":"AVA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46166274900201,"sku":"5807","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/2805\/7022\/files\/IMG-3066.png?v=1775499574"},{"product_id":"chateau-coutet-saint-emilion-grand-cru","title":"Chateau Coutet Saint Emilion Grand Cru","description":"","brand":"Left Bank","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47314382422249,"sku":"F17070","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/2805\/7022\/files\/image_f71e117c-f599-4ef2-9e3a-a70dafbedc19.png?v=1773427700"},{"product_id":"chateau-siran-margaux","title":"Chateau Siran Margaux","description":"","brand":"Misa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48355605709033,"sku":"37602569203572","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/waterfordwine.com\/collections\/bordeaux-4-30-26.oembed","provider":"Waterford Wine and Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}