WTN: A different Pontet

[David M. Bueker]

• 1998 Château Grand-Pontet - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (11/2/2025)
  From my late father’s cellar, this was another wine where he bought a bunch, but then never drank any. My suspicion is that this would have been better 5-10 years ago, but it was still pleasurable drinking. Bright acidity, and mellowed red fruit were the primary features, with a little bit of cedar and herbal to add complexity. A bit of an old but clean farmhouse vibe - light on creature comforts, and creaking a bit, but still solid. I’ll get to the other bottles soon.

I still have couple of bottles of 1996 and they are holding up well. Your note is about what I'd expect for the 98, which is likely the faster evolving wine.

[David M. Bueker]

1998 was so great on the right bank. I was a little surprised this wasn’t better. Not a lot surprised given the producer, but a little.

Grand Pontet no longer exists. I can’t recall who bought the property.

I believe the Dillons bought Grand Pontet, It's now part of Quintus (which I think was formed from L'Arrosee and another property). Pretty sure none of these are contiguous.
In general 1998 trumps 1996 in both quality and longevity IMHO (obviously there are exceptions) on Right Bank. Medoc the reverse (though not as extreme). Graves is great in both years for me.

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks for the details Dale!