One of the finest as well as longest-lived wines of the vintage, this opaque purple-colored 1994 needs 7-10 years of cellaring. This rich, impressive, full-bodied wine represents the finest Pontet-Canet produced since the 1961. This full-bodied, purely made wine is crammed with black currant fruit, as well as forbiddingly tannic and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Last tasted 1/97

1994 Pontet-Canet (aged in 40% new oak): Very good full color. Black cherry and shoe polish on the nose, with notes of menthol and nutty, pungent oak. Minerally, rich and sweet, but with a firm, fresh cabernet structure. Finishes with substantial but rather refined tannins. The older vines here have produced a wine with more complex tannins and good density.

Plenty of berry flavors, with spice notes and a mild, herbal undertone. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Better in 1998. 48,000 cases made.