BORDEAUX 2009 - A TRULY GREAT VINTAGE? [click for more detail]

Early reports, and conversations we have had with reliable sources in Bordeaux, indicate 2009 is going to be a vintage to rival the great 2000 and maybe even 2005. So it is likely to be a good vintage in which to invest.

As proprietor, I tasted the Bordeaux 2005 vintage 3 times, and was astounded by the overall exceptional quality and consistency across Chateaux at various levels down to Cru Bourgeois.

Early media reports in late 2009 indicated that the 2009 vintage was another great one. As ever, I hesitate to react due to the hype that sometimes comes from Bordeaux. However, one Chateau owner that I spoke to in January 2010 told me that her grape pickers had told her that the quality was the best since 1947!! These words came from a very unassuming lady who is not prone to glossy hype or exageration.

I have since heard similar comments from independent commentators.
Owners of the top Chateaux are reporting wines of great concentration, with plump ripe fruit, and with big tannins that are ripe and smooth.
I will be assessing the vintage dispassionately over the Spring and early summer, before advising clients on possible investment.........Alan Harding, Director

STOP PRESS 30/03/10 - Early Scores, James Suckling [Wine Spectator]

CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 97-100
CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2009 Score: 97-100
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES St.-Julien 2009 Score: 97-100
CHÂTEAU MALESCOT-ST.-EXUPÉRY Margaux 2009 Score: 97-100
CHÂTEAU MONTROSE St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 97-100
CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2009 Score: 97-100
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2009 Score: 96-99
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2009 Score: 96-99
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2009 Score: 96-99
CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux 2009 Score: 95-98
CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET Pauillac 2009 Score: 95-98
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 94-97
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON St.-Julien 2009 Score: 92-95