The 2004 Pontet-Canet is a classic Pauillac that’s starting to hit its stride. It’s still a bit tannic but has plenty of earthy black fruit, pencil lead, and tobacco notes, with a touch of dried herbs and black tar. The structure is medium-bodied, and while it might feel firm right now, it's showing some great depth. If you're after something that will develop further, this one’s perfect for cellaring a bit longer. It’s a great vintage, though if you prefer a softer, more opulent style, you might want to go for a 2003 or 2009.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Jul 29, 2016
Drink: 2016-2040

Tasted at the Pontet-Canet vertical in London, it seems clear that the 2004 Château Pontet-Canet is predestined to always fall under the shadow of the 2005. Don't overlook this gem. The bouquet delivers pure blackberry, pencil lead and tobacco notes that are more generous than the 2005 at the moment—open for business, you might say. There is an element of dried herbs here, a hint of black tar. The palate is medium-bodied and quite sturdy in the mouth, the tannins perhaps "abrasive" when juxtaposed against the 2005, however they are couched in unexpectedly intense earthy black fruit that frame a tannic finish. If you hanker for a sumptuous Pontet-Canet, then opt for 2003 or 2009, but if your predilection is for a more "classic" Pauillac, then 2004 Pontet-Canet fits the bill. Undoubtedly a great wine from Alfred Tesseron for the vintage, I would start, broaching bottles now but keep a stash back for 4-5 years' time when those tannins have softened. Tasted February 2016.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 91
Published: Jun 30, 2013

Firm and fresh with currant bush and sweet tobacco character that turns to cigar box. Medium-to-full body with a racy edge to it. Drink or hold.

Decanter | D 89
Published Mar 22, 2024
Drink: 2024-2045

The restrained aromas of this wine offered little attraction to tasters, with a muted blackcurrant fruit and little depth or nuance on the initial attack. The tannins on the palate were substantial, which helped carry the wine to a lingering finish, yet the wine stubbornly refused to open up. The development of the wine seems stalled, and the aromas have yet to unfurl. Although the château constates two green harvests and picking on the last day of September, this failed to imbue the wine with flesh.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Aug 4, 2015
Drink: 2016-2030

Very dark blueish crimson with a garnet rim. Mellow but also still lively nose with notes of earthy dried hemp. The sweet fruit underneath is very slightly dusty. This bottle, served at a Bordeaux lunch at The Clove Club, seemed not quite there yet. 

Pontet-canet.com

One of the principal characteristics of the year 2004 resides in the great drought. The figures are eloquent: 17% less water compared to 2003 and 27% compared to 1990!
However, some unwelcomed rains came during summer enlarging bays of an already ample harvest.
The green harvest showed its importance in 2004.
The first passage in July had to be followed by a second in August to rectify nature’s generosity. Finally, at the beginning of September, the unripe bunches were discarded by the personnel of the field.
The harvest began the last day of September. Our knowledge of our vineyard is becoming more and more refined that we have gained such confidence that we allow him to guide us in the planning of our harvest.

Tasting
With its profound nearly opaque colour, the intense nose expresses a refined complexity with spicy notes of liquorish, coffee and vanilla mixed with red and black fruits such as blackberry’s and toasted cherries.
Once in the mouth, the attack is full with an evolution that is at the same time long and luscious. In the midst of the long juicy tannins, the finale carries the unmistakable and unique character of a great Pauillac. The aromas in the mouth are extremely persistent.
It is really a great vintage.

Harvest: from September 30th to October 18th
Grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon - 29% Merlot
4% Cabernet Franc - 2% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 13°