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2009 Bordeaux 10 years in the bottle 2-day horizontal
Fribourg
Tasted June 23, 2019 - June 24, 2019 by sirpat00 with 1,608 views
Introduction
A grand Bordeaux tasting with >50 wines from the left and the right bank, heavily focused on the crème de la crème. Our host invited nobody less than Jean Marc Quarin to moderate this overwhelming 2-day experience. Quarin explained warm and dry summer, but no heat spikes. Quarin thought back then that St Emillon was the least interesting appelation. In his view the hype around 2009 was also driven by the geopolitical backdrop with the Gulf war and the financial crisis. The public needed and wanted a great vintage. Things were different with 2010 even though he thinks the 2010 has surpassed 2009 in the meantime.
My main take-aways were that 2009 is not living up to the initial hopes for vintage of the century. Especially the right bank struggles with overripe fruit and overwhelming, mouth-drying tannins and alcohol. The left bank scored better on average with Margaux showing outstanding wines. The spread between top performers and laggards was astonishingly wide with a number of wines having nowhere to go and best avoided. Disappointingly, none of the tasted wines came close to perfection in my view despite the massive line-up including all first growths.
On the right bank my personal favourites were Cheval Blanc (97) and VCC (97) on a par, followed by Clos l‘Eglise (96) and then Petrus, Lafleur and Evangile (all 95). Croix de Gay, Laroze, Dubois-Grimon, Faugères, Bellevue Mondotte all failed to convince while Fleure Cardinale already decended into the realm of beef juice.
The stars on the left bank were Margaux (97) and Palmer (97) with Smith Haute Lafitte (96), Mouton (96) and Leoville Las Cases (96) all strong. Lafite, Domaine de Chevalier, Brance Cantenac, Pichon Baron, Montrose (all 95) did well too. La Lagune and Talbot were the low lights (well <90). Calon Segur and Rauzan Segla were disappointing unfortunately (around 90).
Flight 1 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Guinaudeau "G" Acte 1
90 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe more dark berry (plum maybe), some leather and earth as well as horse stable along with spices and a herbal overlay. Fine texture but still with some wild acidty. Fine tannins. Slightly alcoholic finish, but long. Structured and powerful with a decently layered palate.
Tasting note:
Ripe more dark berry (plum maybe), some leather and earth as well as horse stable along with spices and a herbal overlay. Fine texture but still with some wild acidty. Fine tannins. Slightly alcoholic finish, but long. Structured and powerful with a decently layered palate.
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Red
2009 Château Laroze
89 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Cherry and some blue berries. But also some leather. Some greenish herbs, a bit floral. Fine-grained tannins and a round texture.
Tasting note:
Cherry and some blue berries. But also some leather. Some greenish herbs, a bit floral. Fine-grained tannins and a round texture.
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Red
2009 Château Dubois-Grimon
90 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe fruit of mixed forest berries a tad animal and some fewer leathery notes. Not quite balanced yet with furry tannins and acidity.
Tasting note:
Ripe fruit of mixed forest berries a tad animal and some fewer leathery notes. Not quite balanced yet with furry tannins and acidity.
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Red
2009 Château Faugères
89 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Heavy on the tertiary notes, ripe fruit again and somewhat animal, wet fur and some flower. Lots of tannins and acidity here still, drying the mouth.
Tasting note:
Heavy on the tertiary notes, ripe fruit again and somewhat animal, wet fur and some flower. Lots of tannins and acidity here still, drying the mouth.
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Flight 2 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Bellevue Mondotte
90 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe, more red type of fruit and fruit forward overall with only hints of secondary aromas. Fruity palate, mouthcoating tannins.
Tasting note:
Ripe, more red type of fruit and fruit forward overall with only hints of secondary aromas. Fruity palate, mouthcoating tannins.
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Red
2009 Château Troplong Mondot
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Restrained fruit, some leather, dark choclate, dried herbs and a drop of spices. Intense palate with fruit, structure and a plush texture - but mouthcoating tannins.
Tasting note:
Restrained fruit, some leather, dark choclate, dried herbs and a drop of spices. Intense palate with fruit, structure and a plush texture - but mouthcoating tannins.
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Red
2009 Clos Fourtet
88 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Liqueuresque fruit, leather and some animal flvavours, a bit of black coffee and dried tea leaves. Palate shows fruit and secondary aromatics. Heavy on tannins once again.
Tasting note:
Liqueuresque fruit, leather and some animal flvavours, a bit of black coffee and dried tea leaves. Palate shows fruit and secondary aromatics. Heavy on tannins once again.
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Red
2009 Château Pavie Decesse
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Fruit and fine secondary aromatics. Fine and a more elegant showing for the right bank of this vintage. Balanced with a solid structure.
Tasting note:
Fruit and fine secondary aromatics. Fine and a more elegant showing for the right bank of this vintage. Balanced with a solid structure.
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Flight 3 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse)
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wiqqnes: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe with extracted fruit and a sexy character, fine barnyard and leather notes. Some heat clouds the palate, but otherwise well structured and balanced.
Tasting note:
Ripe with extracted fruit and a sexy character, fine barnyard and leather notes. Some heat clouds the palate, but otherwise well structured and balanced.
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Red
2009 Château Cheval Blanc
97 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Intense fruit with lots of herbs and spices. Choclate tarte like sweetness and mocca. Layered palate with bright fruit, herbs and spices resonating in a lengthy finish. Fine tannins although still very present. Lots of depth and tension here, but also exuberance and intensity that is probably not in every Bordeaux lover’s liking. Along with VCC my favourite on the right bank in this vintage.
Tasting note:
Intense fruit with lots of herbs and spices. Choclate tarte like sweetness and mocca. Layered palate with bright fruit, herbs and spices resonating in a lengthy finish. Fine tannins although still very present. Lots of depth and tension here, but also exuberance and intensity that is probably not in every Bordeaux lover’s liking. Along with VCC my favourite on the right bank in this vintage.
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Red
2009 Château Ausone
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Very ripe fruit, some herbs and a bit of medicinal notes. Juicy and fruity palate. Layered texture.
Tasting note:
Very ripe fruit, some herbs and a bit of medicinal notes. Juicy and fruity palate. Layered texture.
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Red
2009 Château Angélus
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe red fruit, a bit of leather, floral notes. Heavy and full bodied and a too dry palate. But otherwise likely to evolve into a beauty over time.
Tasting note:
Ripe red fruit, a bit of leather, floral notes. Heavy and full bodied and a too dry palate. But otherwise likely to evolve into a beauty over time.
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Flight 4 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Clinet
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Some brett here, I found, right from the onset. Again ripe fruit, some greenish herbs and a whiff of medicinal notes. Dry tannins and a somewhat one-dimensional palate.
Tasting note:
Some brett here, I found, right from the onset. Again ripe fruit, some greenish herbs and a whiff of medicinal notes. Dry tannins and a somewhat one-dimensional palate.
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Red
2009 Château L'Evangile
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Restrained fruit, more milk coffee and herbs with the mocca notes resonating nicely on the palate, almost overshadowing the fruit. Lots of tannins, alcohol and acidity here but nevertheless elegant and plush.
Tasting note:
Restrained fruit, more milk coffee and herbs with the mocca notes resonating nicely on the palate, almost overshadowing the fruit. Lots of tannins, alcohol and acidity here but nevertheless elegant and plush.
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Red
2009 Château L'Eglise-Clinet
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe fruit, more bright in nature. Fine leathery notes and an intense palate.
Tasting note:
Ripe fruit, more bright in nature. Fine leathery notes and an intense palate.
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Red
2009 Château Gazin Pomerol
90 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Intense ripe fruit, greenish herbs. Fruity palate and a longish palate, but little to get excited about.
Tasting note:
Intense ripe fruit, greenish herbs. Fruity palate and a longish palate, but little to get excited about.
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Flight 5 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Trotanoy
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe cherry fruit, more leathery and earthy but also some slight floral notes. Firmly sturctured with good balance.
Tasting note:
Ripe cherry fruit, more leathery and earthy but also some slight floral notes. Firmly sturctured with good balance.
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Red
2009 Pétrus
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Red, ripe fruit. Nice savoury notes along with dried herbs. Layered texture on the palate but with mouthcoating tannins.
Tasting note:
Red, ripe fruit. Nice savoury notes along with dried herbs. Layered texture on the palate but with mouthcoating tannins.
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Red
2009 Vieux Château Certan
97 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Along with a ripe, but less extracted fruit and a nice smokey overlay. Savoury, sweet spices, herbs. Fruity, more fresh palate with a broad flavours profile. Along with Cheval Blanc my favourite on the right bank.
Tasting note:
Along with a ripe, but less extracted fruit and a nice smokey overlay. Savoury, sweet spices, herbs. Fruity, more fresh palate with a broad flavours profile. Along with Cheval Blanc my favourite on the right bank.
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Red
2009 Château Lafleur
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe fruit, some green herbs and savoury. Plush texture, with a good balance and fine aromatics. Intricate and finely structured.
Tasting note:
Ripe fruit, some green herbs and savoury. Plush texture, with a good balance and fine aromatics. Intricate and finely structured.
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Flight 6 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Hosanna
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe, on average a bit darker or blue fruit, a bit of menthol and leather. Full bodied with some heat on the palate.
Tasting note:
Ripe, on average a bit darker or blue fruit, a bit of menthol and leather. Full bodied with some heat on the palate.
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Red
2009 Clos l'Église (Pomerol)
96 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Almost a sweet candy type of fruit. Seasoning of fine herbs. Adstringent palate with mouthcoating tannins but otherwise outstanding and the runner-up on the right bank of this vintage (after Cheval Blanc and VCC).
Tasting note:
Almost a sweet candy type of fruit. Seasoning of fine herbs. Adstringent palate with mouthcoating tannins but otherwise outstanding and the runner-up on the right bank of this vintage (after Cheval Blanc and VCC).
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Red
2009 Château Le Pin
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Red, ripe fruit. Some menthol but otherwise fruit-forward with only little secondary aromatics .Full bodied with a strong finish.
Tasting note:
Red, ripe fruit. Some menthol but otherwise fruit-forward with only little secondary aromatics .Full bodied with a strong finish.
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Red
2009 Château La Conseillante
92 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Slightly less extracted fruit and cooler style than the rest of the 2009 right bank pack, but lots of acidity and tannins on the palate.
Tasting note:
Slightly less extracted fruit and cooler style than the rest of the 2009 right bank pack, but lots of acidity and tannins on the palate.
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Flight 7 (2 notes)
Red
2009 Château La Croix de Gay
90 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Red fruit and herbal. Decent wine overall but nothing out of the ordinary to see here.
Tasting note:
Red fruit and herbal. Decent wine overall but nothing out of the ordinary to see here.
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Red
2009 Château Fleur Cardinale
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Clearly overripe and already decended into beef juice and past the peak. NR
Tasting note:
Clearly overripe and already decended into beef juice and past the peak. NR
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Flight 8 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Domaine de Chevalier
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Dark berry, a tad jammy but not overripe, fresh herbs, floral aromatics and faint animal notes. Fine structure with lots of fruit and flowers on the palate. Good balance with soft tannins. Elegant and fun. A crowd pleaser and not necessary for the purists, but definitely to my liking. 95+
Tasting note:
Dark berry, a tad jammy but not overripe, fresh herbs, floral aromatics and faint animal notes. Fine structure with lots of fruit and flowers on the palate. Good balance with soft tannins. Elegant and fun. A crowd pleaser and not necessary for the purists, but definitely to my liking. 95+
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Red
2009 Château Haut-Bailly
92 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Restrained fruit, secondary aromatics of leather. A small acidity over-hang on the palate and also not (yet) well integrated tannins. A rather short finish.
Tasting note:
Restrained fruit, secondary aromatics of leather. A small acidity over-hang on the palate and also not (yet) well integrated tannins. A rather short finish.
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Red
2009 Château d'Issan
91 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Dark fruit, leather, earth and maybe a bit too much animal aromatics. But also floral. Some bitter aftertaste and adstringent.
Tasting note:
Dark fruit, leather, earth and maybe a bit too much animal aromatics. But also floral. Some bitter aftertaste and adstringent.
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Red
2009 Château Lafite Rothschild
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Deep, voluptuous and perfumed nose with dark, red and blue fruit complemented by leather as well as some barnyard and oak. Full body and complex aromatics on the attack, albeit with limited length. A bit of heat taints the picture.
Tasting note:
Deep, voluptuous and perfumed nose with dark, red and blue fruit complemented by leather as well as some barnyard and oak. Full body and complex aromatics on the attack, albeit with limited length. A bit of heat taints the picture.
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Flight 9 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Fine nose with complex aromatics, fresh dark and light berries, hints of sweet spices and fresh herbs. Fruity, well structured on the palate.
Tasting note:
Fine nose with complex aromatics, fresh dark and light berries, hints of sweet spices and fresh herbs. Fruity, well structured on the palate.
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Red
2009 Château Léoville Las Cases
96 points
94 Points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe and slightly liquoresque fruit, but pleasant. Actually fruit-forward all the way. Also perfumed and floral notes. Sweet oak / cedar. Quite some power but with good balance.
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe and slightly liquoresque fruit, but pleasant. Actually fruit-forward all the way. Also perfumed and floral notes. Sweet oak / cedar. Quite some power but with good balance.
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Red
2009 Château Léoville Poyferré
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Quite restrained in my view although the crowd didn‘t agree. Ripe rather dark fruit. Some complexity but hard to find. Lots of fruit on the palate but also some heat, mouthcoating tannins and stingy acdity.
Tasting note:
Quite restrained in my view although the crowd didn‘t agree. Ripe rather dark fruit. Some complexity but hard to find. Lots of fruit on the palate but also some heat, mouthcoating tannins and stingy acdity.
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Red
2009 Château Léoville Barton
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe blue and dark and black coffee / black chocolate complexity. Some smokeyness and menthol. Lots of tannins and wood on the palate with an unexciting finish.
Tasting note:
Ripe blue and dark and black coffee / black chocolate complexity. Some smokeyness and menthol. Lots of tannins and wood on the palate with an unexciting finish.
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Flight 10 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Brane-Cantenac
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Dark brambleberry and red cherries. More earthy, mushrooms and forest floor. But also a flowery bouquet. Tension and fershness on the palate. Big yet elegant. 95+
Tasting note:
Dark brambleberry and red cherries. More earthy, mushrooms and forest floor. But also a flowery bouquet. Tension and fershness on the palate. Big yet elegant. 95+
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Red
2009 Château Rauzan-Ségla
89 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Deeply dark and already bordering beef juice. Dried, almost fermeted fig. Maybe some black tea. Palate still fresh and juicy but with mouthcoating tannins.
Tasting note:
Deeply dark and already bordering beef juice. Dried, almost fermeted fig. Maybe some black tea. Palate still fresh and juicy but with mouthcoating tannins.
3 people found this helpful
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Red
2009 Château Palmer
97 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
More red type of fruit profile and flowers. Fine and elegant with a delicate aromatic structure. Full bodied on the palate with secondary flavours of leather complementing the beautifully sweet fruit. finish extends forever. Along with Margaux nr 1 on the right bank for me in 2009.
Tasting note:
More red type of fruit profile and flowers. Fine and elegant with a delicate aromatic structure. Full bodied on the palate with secondary flavours of leather complementing the beautifully sweet fruit. finish extends forever. Along with Margaux nr 1 on the right bank for me in 2009.
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Red
2009 Château Margaux
97 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Already smells velvety. Intense blue fruit and lots of perfume and violets. Voluptuous and beguiling. Leather and toast. High intensity palate with sweet fruit and fantastic structure. More New World style and purists probably hate this, but for me along with Palmer the winner of the right bank.
Tasting note:
Already smells velvety. Intense blue fruit and lots of perfume and violets. Voluptuous and beguiling. Leather and toast. High intensity palate with sweet fruit and fantastic structure. More New World style and purists probably hate this, but for me along with Palmer the winner of the right bank.
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Flight 11 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte
96 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Almost marmelade like raspberry and cassis fruit. Fine wooden notes and a bit of leather and herbs. Fine and elegant. On the palate a surprise bag of freshly roasted coffee beans await. Heavy on the tannins and a bit short finish, but good structure. 96+
Tasting note:
Almost marmelade like raspberry and cassis fruit. Fine wooden notes and a bit of leather and herbs. Fine and elegant. On the palate a surprise bag of freshly roasted coffee beans await. Heavy on the tannins and a bit short finish, but good structure. 96+
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Red
2009 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
A more intense note with lots of fruit, both nose and palate. Imbalance towards tannins and alcohol on the palate and a dry finish keep me from going for a higher score here.
Tasting note:
A more intense note with lots of fruit, both nose and palate. Imbalance towards tannins and alcohol on the palate and a dry finish keep me from going for a higher score here.
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Red
2009 Château Pape Clément
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Cool blue fruit / blue berry with more animal flavours and some herbal components. Comes across more classic but without any special character. A fruit heavy palate with lots of tannins and a dry finish.
Tasting note:
Cool blue fruit / blue berry with more animal flavours and some herbal components. Comes across more classic but without any special character. A fruit heavy palate with lots of tannins and a dry finish.
2 people found this helpful
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Red
2009 Château Haut-Brion
93 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe, unsweetend siroup type of fruit, freshly cut green herbs. Again lots of tannins leaving the mouth dry as a bone. Had this one before but after a proper and long decant. Score highly at 98 back then and remember well a youthful, yet powerful and complex juice. Hence this score could actually significantly under-value this.
Tasting note:
Ripe, unsweetend siroup type of fruit, freshly cut green herbs. Again lots of tannins leaving the mouth dry as a bone. Had this one before but after a proper and long decant. Score highly at 98 back then and remember well a youthful, yet powerful and complex juice. Hence this score could actually significantly under-value this.
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Flight 12 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Latour Grand Vin
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Cool but licquoresque fruit. A bit of menthol. Powerful but well integrated palate. A decent but somewhat alcoholic produce.
Tasting note:
Cool but licquoresque fruit. A bit of menthol. Powerful but well integrated palate. A decent but somewhat alcoholic produce.
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Red
2009 Château Mouton Rothschild
96 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Dark cherry and brambleberry fruit. Nice leather, a bit of dark chocolate, animal notes, dried herbs. Fruit dominates the plate but the leathery notes resonate nicely in a med+ or even long finish.
Tasting note:
Dark cherry and brambleberry fruit. Nice leather, a bit of dark chocolate, animal notes, dried herbs. Fruit dominates the plate but the leathery notes resonate nicely in a med+ or even long finish.
1 person found this helpful
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Red
2009 Château Pontet-Canet
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Ripe, distilled berry fruit. Fruit leaning towards red. Fruit forward palate with some heat and mouthcoating tannins. After only a few minutes more perfumed, floral notes emerge. Third time tasting this with a spectacular first encounter vibrating with scents of violets (97) but the second experience was quite in-line with this one.
Tasting note:
Ripe, distilled berry fruit. Fruit leaning towards red. Fruit forward palate with some heat and mouthcoating tannins. After only a few minutes more perfumed, floral notes emerge. Third time tasting this with a spectacular first encounter vibrating with scents of violets (97) but the second experience was quite in-line with this one.
4 people found this helpful
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Red
2009 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Dark berries, smoke, oak / wood, savoury and herb. Intense and powerful fruit on the palate. Everything is in the right place and I am convinced this will age beautifully.
Tasting note:
Dark berries, smoke, oak / wood, savoury and herb. Intense and powerful fruit on the palate. Everything is in the right place and I am convinced this will age beautifully.
6 people found this helpful
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Flight 13 (4 notes)
Red
2009 Château Montrose
95 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Slightly restrained nose. But nice, classic elegant complexity. Nice, balanced, sweet, fruity - in short, layered palate. 95+
Tasting note:
Slightly restrained nose. But nice, classic elegant complexity. Nice, balanced, sweet, fruity - in short, layered palate. 95+
2 people found this helpful
Comments (1)
Red
2009 Château Cos d'Estournel
94 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Darkish fruit, intense and slightly liquoresque. A bit of savoury, maybe even brett, fresh herbs. Full bodied and tannic. Unfortunately coulnd‘t quite keep up with the palate.
Tasting note:
Darkish fruit, intense and slightly liquoresque. A bit of savoury, maybe even brett, fresh herbs. Full bodied and tannic. Unfortunately coulnd‘t quite keep up with the palate.
1 person found this helpful
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Red
2009 Château Calon-Ségur
90 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
On average more dark berries than red, but hard to delineate. A bit of leather, a tad menthol. Full body with lots of acidity and tannins. Unripe green notes.
Tasting note:
On average more dark berries than red, but hard to delineate. A bit of leather, a tad menthol. Full body with lots of acidity and tannins. Unripe green notes.
1 person found this helpful
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Red
2009 Clos Manou
92 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
More animal flavours. Darkish fruit, some fine leather. Palate still heavy on tannins and a rather short finish.
Tasting note:
More animal flavours. Darkish fruit, some fine leather. Palate still heavy on tannins and a rather short finish.
1 person found this helpful
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Flight 14 (2 notes)
Red
2009 Château La Lagune
86 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Slighlty unripe fruit and green notes. Pretty sure some wrong turns were taken during the winemaking here.
Tasting note:
Slighlty unripe fruit and green notes. Pretty sure some wrong turns were taken during the winemaking here.
2 people found this helpful
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Red
2009 Château Talbot
87 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Fruit forward. Nothing special to report.
Tasting note:
Fruit forward. Nothing special to report.
1 person found this helpful
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Flight 15 (1 note)
White - Sweet/Dessert
2009 Château d'Yquem
97 points
Part of a grand Bordeaux 2009 tasting spanning 2 days that revealed 1) a right bank struggling with overripe fruit and overwhelming tannins, 2) wide spreak between top performers and laggards, 3) left bank, and especially Margaux, outshone the right bank cousins, 4) Top wines: Palmer, Margaux, Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan.
Tasting note:
Once more multi-layered complexity. Orange zest, a bit of saffron, fruit ranges from citric to tropical, some spices, lemon tart. Not quite as majestic as the 2015 but nevertheless shines next to the other wannabe‘s.
Tasting note:
Once more multi-layered complexity. Orange zest, a bit of saffron, fruit ranges from citric to tropical, some spices, lemon tart. Not quite as majestic as the 2015 but nevertheless shines next to the other wannabe‘s.
1 person found this helpful
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