The Impact of Vintage: Chateau Pontet Canet 1974 vs. 1994

The Impact of Vintage: A Tale of Two Chateau Pontet Canet Years

In this tasting session, we turned our attention to Chateau Pontet Canet, comparing two distinct vintages: 1974 and 1994. This exploration offered a fascinating glimpse into how the conditions of a given year can shape a wine’s character and quality.

A Glimpse into the Vintages

The 1974 Bordeaux vintage is often remembered as one of the more challenging years of the decade. Despite promising spring weather and a hot, dry summer, the harvest was marred by heavy rains and a cold snap in September. This combination of factors led to what Michael Broadbent MW described as "unbalanced wines, raw, totally lacking charm and grace." Both reds and whites from this year struggled to achieve the finesse that Bordeaux is known for.

In contrast, the 1994 Bordeaux vintage, while not stellar, was a step up from its immediate predecessors. The spring weather was favorable, leading to an early flowering, though a significant rainstorm in September tested the resilience of the vineyards. The cooler temperatures prevented rot, but grape selection became crucial to avoid overly diluted berries. While many wines from this vintage showed a hard, slightly underripe character, some exceptions exhibited promising qualities.

The Tasting Experience

We began with the 1974 Chateau Pontet Canet. This wine, now 50 years old, presented a tawny color and was dominated by tertiary aromas. Despite its age, it was clear that the 1974 vintage’s lack of balance and grace was evident in this bottle. It did not withstand the test of time as well as some older vintages, reflecting the challenges of its year.

“Comparing Chateau Pontet Canet from 1974 and 1994 highlights how vintage conditions profoundly influence a wine’s quality. While the 1974 showed its struggle, the 1994 revealed surprising depth and structure, proving that even in difficult years, excellence can emerge.”

In contrast, the 1994 Chateau Pontet Canet showed a much better profile. This 30-year-old wine had a vibrant color and revealed complex aromas of black cherry, shoe polish, menthol, and nutty oak. On the palate, it was minerally, rich, and sweet, with a firm, fresh Cabernet structure and refined tannins. While 1994 is often overshadowed by the more celebrated 1995 and 1996 vintages, this wine demonstrated that even in less-than-ideal years, careful craftsmanship can yield commendable results.

Conclusion

Our comparison of Chateau Pontet Canet from 1974 and 1994 underscores the profound impact that vintage conditions can have on a wine’s quality. While the 1974 vintage struggled to overcome its inherent challenges, the 1994 vintage showcased promising structure and complexity despite its difficulties. This tasting reaffirms that even in challenging years, exceptional wines can still emerge.

Tasted by Glenn Cambre Tasted on 18/07/2024