Very good easy drinking — 8 months ago
Lunch 🥪
K&L notes as follows, Grand Pontet is an interesting property, positioned in the neighborhood of other stars of the appellation such as Châteaux Canon, Beau-Séjour-Bécot and Clos Fourtet. It is, however, a small estate, a mere 14 hectares, and its prices are much better than some of its more prestigious neighbors. In 1980 it was purchased by Gerard and Dominique Bécot, owners of the neighboring Beau-Séjour-Bécot. They have applied the same high standards to both Châteaux in their possession, and their winemaking team crafts Grand Pontet alongside the Beau-Séjour-Bécot wines. Recently purchased in 2021 by Domaines Clarence Dillon (Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, et al.), the property was combined with and incorporated into Château Quintus. Full-bodied and luscious, this Grand Pontet is laden with ripe blackberry fruits, savory tobacco, licorice notes, and ripe, softened tannins. It’s seamless and bold, not shy. It’s going to require something decadent to pair with, such as filet mignon or some other black-tie dish with plenty of flavor and rich umami presence. — 3 years ago
I love Dakota Shy wines, and this is an excellent one. Decanted for several hours. Inky dark purple. Full-bodied, rich, and complex. Dark chocolate, plums, cassis, and a hint of vanilla. Long finish. Fabulous now, but still has a lot of cellaring potential. — 4 months ago
Same comments. Ripe fruit forward. Super soft tannins, silky in the mouth. Very smooth drinking. — 7 months ago
Burgundy color. Shy nose of cherry and spice. Intense but flavorful on opening and through first evening. Day 2 nose of cherry and roses. Tannins are well balanced leaning towards chewiness. Cherries, cranberries, leather, bark, some mineral, and a hint of dark chocolate on the palate. Moderate density. Fairly long finish with pleasant tingling sensation. — 2 years ago
Same comments, great wine. — 5 months ago
Wonderful, as always. Susan doesn’t make bad wine. — 7 months ago
Popped and poured; no formal notes. A little shy upon opening but after 30min of air, this was bangin’! Montmorency cherry, orange peel, black tea, dry dusty earth, spices. Firm structure. Still quite youthful but undeniably delicious. A wonderful accompaniment to pasta, marinara and panzanella. Drinking very well now with a little air and should continue to do so for another 10+ years. — 3 years ago
Doug Powers
Mineral, floral, and lemon aromas and flavors, nice balance, long finish, Jonathan and Susan have long made this lovely Sierra Foothills Viognier that I buy vintage after vintage!! — 18 days ago