Once again proprietor Alfred Tesseron has produced a wine of first-growth potential. One of the superstars of the vintage, Pontet-Canet¿s 2011 exhibits an opaque purple color and a glorious bouquet of incense, subtle toast and copious quantities of creme de cassis. There is a floral underpinning, decent acidity and ripe tannin to this full-bodied effort. Big, rich, round and generously endowed, it should drink well for 20-25+ years. Robert Parker

One of the outstanding successes of the vintage, this powerful and elegant wine is perfumed and rich on the nose with ripe cassis and dark plum fruit aromas and hints of sage and grilled herbs. Floral, violet notes and delicate spices add to the charm and complexity. The palate is dense, round and complex with layers of dark plum and blackberry fruit and firm, perfectly integrated, smooth tannins. An energetic acidity and spicy, mineral notes on the finish give great definition and length. It has the capacity to age for 2n/a years or more. Drink 2n/a17 ¿ 2n/a35.