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. — 2 years ago
Nice bottle for $50.00, decant an hour so & you’re set
Info I found on the dark web as follows,
This property possesses 16 hectares of vines (60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc) and was purchased in 1978 by Comte Léo de Malet Roquefort, the owner of Château La Gaffelière. In June 2011 it was acquired by the Clarence Dillon group, which also owns Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. Its new owner decided to rename the property, starting with the 2011 vintage. Château Tertre Daugay, the fifth cru classé to be acquired by the Clarence Dillon group, became Château Quintus.The property is located on a high promontory that forms the edge of the Saint Emilion plateau. It commands a panoramic view far into the distance of the surrounding villages and the Dordogne Valley. It is here that, since time immemorial, a watchtower has stood to guard the village of Saint Emilion. The exceptional microclimate is due to the area's diversity in terms of soil, slopes and orientation. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that in 1844 and 1848 the wine was among the 14 most sought-after and expensive in Saint Emilion. For nearly a century, Bordeaux et ses Vins, the standard reference work produced by Cocks and Féret, listed the property as a Saint Emilion Premier Cru. The property was also one of the prestigious vineyards in Saint Emilion to win a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867. — 2 years ago
Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Mourvèdre Syrah — 2 years ago
Greg and Louis late evening visit. Asked for St Emilian and found this first. Surprisingly fresh tasting with good mellowed dark red fruits and balanced palate. Yum. Only bottle probably. Ancient Vineyard folded into chateau Quintus in Dillon portfolio in 2012. 40/20/20 Merlot Cab Franc Cab. — 2 years ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2016 vintage. Medium-heavy body with noticeable dark fruit influence. 12.11.24. — 10 days ago