Domaine Albert Boxler

Niedermorschwihr, Alsace

In the pantheon of Pauillac’s most progressive estates, Château Pontet-Canet stands as a beacon of transformation. Officially ranked a Fifth Growth in 1855, it has long outgrown that title—now considered by many critics to rival the First Growths in both prestige and performance. With its biodynamic farming, gravity-fed cellars, and trailblazing use of amphorae, Pontet-Canet has redefined what it means to craft a great Bordeaux: powerful yet pure, modern yet timeless.

Historical Foundation

Pontet-Canet traces its roots to the early 18th century, when Jean-François de Pontet, a royal governor of the Médoc, established the estate. It passed into the hands of Hermann Cruse in 1865, remaining with his family for over a century. In 1975, the Tesseron family took over, initiating a new era of thoughtful restoration. Under Alfred Tesseron, and with the bold guidance of estate manager Jean-Michel Comme, Pontet-Canet transitioned from classic grand cru to global standard-bearer for sustainable winemaking.

Terroir and Location

The estate’s 81 hectares rest on deep Garonne gravel layered over clay and limestone—a perfect recipe for Cabernet Sauvignon’s strength and Merlot’s roundness. The vineyard lies on a high plateau at Pauillac’s northern edge, where Atlantic breezes and Gironde mists cool the vines and preserve acidity. These sun-soaked gravel beds, flanked by pine forests and meadows, offer ideal drainage and thermal regulation. Here, the terroir speaks with clarity and force, producing wines that echo both the aromatic complexity and structure that define great Pauillac.

Farming Philosophy and Practices

Pontet-Canet’s biodynamic conversion began in 2004 and was fully certified by 2010. Today, ten draft horses cultivate 34 hectares, ensuring minimal soil compaction and biodiversity. Cover crops, composted manure, herbal teas, and cow-horn preparations replace chemical inputs. The estate is a model of closed-loop agriculture, where bee populations, native flora, and healthy soils form an intricate, living system. This rigorous, holistic approach yields fruit with exceptional balance, intensity, and expression—each grape a true reflection of its origin.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Pontet-Canet lets nature lead. Grapes are hand-harvested, triple sorted, and gently transferred—without pumps or electricity—into egg-shaped concrete vats and custom oak fermenters. Indigenous yeasts drive fermentation, preserving vintage character and terroir nuance. Aging spans 16–20 months in a mix of 50% new French oak and 35% amphorae, the latter made from estate clay. These terracotta vessels soften the wine’s texture and emphasize purity, while minimal racking and sulfur ensure the wine remains alive and vibrant in bottle.

Wine Portfolio and Achievements

Pontet-Canet produces just one grand vin—the Château Pontet-Canet. The 2014 vintage exemplifies their craftsmanship: a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It received 98 points from James Suckling, 96 from Decanter and Wine Enthusiast, and 95 from Wine Advocate. Each vintage routinely matches or surpasses First Growths in blind tastings. With an annual production of around 25,000 cases, it remains small in quantity but monumental in impact. The wine’s depth, energy, and balance have made it a global reference for modern Pauillac.



Pontet-Canet proves that authenticity and innovation can walk hand in hand—its wines are not just expressions of place, but a vision for Bordeaux’s regenerative, sustainable future.