Chateau Pontet-Canet 2020

[JimHow]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VidDSuCyNhc

[Nicklasss]

Looks like a great "must buy" Pauillac to me, that 2020 Chateau Pontet Canet.

Even for the ones here that swear they would not buy futures or young Bordeaux any more (roll eyes and )

[JimHow]

As Stefan predicted last year, the earliest we’ll be able to get back there is 2022.

But with double vaccination we Americans can go to Europe this summer if looks like!

[JoelD]

As Stefan predicted last year, the earliest we’ll be able to get back there is 2022.

But with double vaccination we Americans can go to Europe this summer if looks like!

Tempting, this applies to people that got the single dose J&J as well right?

[Musigny 151]

I bought some half bottles of 2019 and a double magnum for my great niece born in 2019. The pricing was a steal, which made half bottles really worthwhile. For PC though, they really underpriced 2019 compared to the competition. Raising the price will not look good, although probably justified.

[Claudius2]

Nic
Oh Be nice to us blokes in their sixties and older.
We really don’t need any more wine but we are too easily tempted by another “must buy” vintage.

I have not yet seen prices for 2020 but I doubt they will be better than 2019 and unless they are very well priced, I’ll pass.
Cheers
Mark

[Dandersson]

Nice, looks like PC2020 will be a great wine, sadly it will be out of reach for me I am sure.
I will however, buy 2020 as futures, how much depends on price. Looks like another great year.
Thank you!

Best, Dan

[Antoine]

Table for average yields in Bordeaux 2020

-----------------2018 ----2019 ----2020 ----10-year average % of 10-year average
Margaux --------- 37.4 ----49.2 ----36.3 ---- 41.2 ----88.1
St Julien -------- 42.6 ----45.5 ----34.3 ----41.8 ---- 82.1
Pauillac ---------- 38.5 ----46.7 ----37.4 ----41.5 ----90.1
St Estèphe ------- 44.6 ----49.7---- 41.2 ---- 45.3---- 90.9
Pessac Léognan---- 36.9 ----47.2 ----34.6 ----40.5 ----85.4
St Emilion ------- 39.7 ----43.0 ----36.7 ----39.1 ----3.8
Pomerol---------- 36.2 ----43.0 ----39.8 ----37.7 ----105.5
Sauternes/Barsac 15.7 13.6 12.3 16.9 72.8


Looking at yields in 2018, 2019 and 2020, one can understand why 2019 prices were more reasonable than previous year irrespective of quality... lots to sell or store... This tells me 2020 may not be as cheap as one may expect... especially as 2019 sold well...

[Antoine]

Notes by Bettane for all the 2020 Bordeaux.
https://www.mybettanedesseauve.fr/wp-co ... s-2020.pdf

Interesting... and, in may cases, lower scores than last year...

[Comte Flaneur]

Lynch-Bages 95-96, same score as Lafite.

I rest my case, m’lud.

[Antoine]

https://www.mybettanedesseauve.fr/wp-co ... s_2019.pdf

This will give you 2019 notes.
Big drop in rating! 2020 a good vindtage but nowhere near 2019 in quality... except for a few wines!

Château d'Issan, margaux L’apport de nouvelles vignes, juste à l’extérieur du mur du clos se manifeste par un corps plus généreux qu’en 2019, un caractère plus décidé, mais jouant toujours sur une finesse florale d’une parfaite typicité margalaise. Bravo.94-95/100
The addition of new vines outside the wall of the clos results in a more generous body compared to 2019, with more character and keeping a typically Margaux floral finesse. Bravo 94-95/100

Issan for Ian

[Comte Flaneur]

Thanks for posting Antoine - very interesting Mrs Hobbs.

In the very unlikely event I dabble in this vintage D’Issan will be my first port of call.

But I have been draining my financial resources by adding to my long position in Ch Figeac, with the addition of some 2018 today, so the tank is just running on fumes for 2020.

[Antoine]

Don't forget I am willing to buy a couple of Figeac 2019 halves from you if you need cash... (and of Pichon Lalande as well if so you wish of course...)

[Comte Flaneur]

Thanks Antoine I will bear that in mind.

https://www.farrvintners.com/en_primeur/

[Comte Flaneur]

Farr Vintners wines of the 2020 vintage

2020 Lynch-Bages tasting note

2020 is the first vintage to be made in the new, state of the art winery. Harvest started 9 days earlier than in 2019, taking place from the 14th-29th September. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot and will be aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak. The abv is a moderate 13.4%. Deep ruby purple in the glass. The nose is deep and dark, full of rich cassis and savoury, earthy spices. The palate has great attack, with rich dark fruit and mouthcoating ripe tannins intense in equal measure - this is a vin de garde. Piercing blackcurrant fruit cuts through savoury spices from the oak. There is a real vibrancy and precision to the fruit core this year. Chewy and dense through to a very long and impressive finish. An excellent 2020.

95/98
Farr Vintners, Farr Tasting, April 2021

I rest my case, m’lud.

[Antoine]

Bettane
98
Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Pavie, Petrus, Montrose (5 wines)

97-98
Margaux, Palmer, Ducru B, Haut Brion, Mouton R, Belair Monange, Figeac, Conseillante, Canon (9 wines)

97
La Violette, Poyferre, Pontet Canet, Mission HB

96-97
Latour (Pauillac), VCC, Nenin, Fleur Petrus, Eglise Clinet, Pavie Mac. et Dec., La Gaffeliere, Valandraud, Cos d'Estournel, Calon Segur, Talbot, LCC, Gruaud Larose


And below: The Pichons B L, Brane Cantenac, Chevalier and SHL red and many others... on 96 , then 95-96 Lafite R, Lynch B, Tertre R, Gazin, ... and many others

Not too high regard for the 1855 classification... clearly not aligned with Farr Vintners either... (who don't have the Pauillac 1st G as top wines though...)

Waiting for Izak input...

[JimHow]

I will be making an important announcement soon about Chateau Lynch Bages.

[Tom In DC]

Antoine,

While 2019 yields were higher than average, the major estates ($$$) just declassify to get the number of bottles more consistent each year.

Can anyone guess what I think was the reason for decent pricing? COVID-19, of course!

Cheers,
Tom

[DavidG]

As an ophthalmologist I may be compelled to purchase a few of these.
Or maybe just some MD 20/20 instead.