Århundredes årgang – Nu igen !
Endnu en gang ser det ud til at Bordeaux har lavet en årgang, som får sin sikre plads i historien.
Allerede nu vi har fået så mange rapporter om årgangen fra slotsejere, negocianter og andre interessenter, at det burde ligge fast, at vi har fat i en årgang af de helt store igen
Årgangen skulle være fuldt ud linie med 1945, 1961, 2000, 2005 kvalitetsmæssigt, men naturligvis med sin helt egen karakteristika.
Det amerikanske tidsskrift The Wine Spectator er allerede nu på banen med sin første vurdering og dermed ratings af vinene, og sjældent har man set noget lignende. Jeg mindes ikke at have set så mange flotte ratings fra dette blad før. Du kan læse disse nedenfor.
Der er ingen tvivl om at årgang 2009 er en årgang hvis lige man ikke har set før. Et utal af erfarne vinjournalister internationalt bekræfter og vores egne smagninger bekræfter det.
Selvom det er en årgang af usædvanlig kvalitet og karakter er den mere uens end andre store årgange.
Venstre bred er den mest interessante og særligt den nordlige del af venstre bred. Der er ingen tvivl om at særligt Saint Estephe har præsteret kvaliteter som vi aldrig før har set.
Højre bred er også fin. Særligt Pomerol performer rigtigt godt og især på plateauet omkring Lafleur, Petrus og Le Gay.
Dette er en "must have" årgang. Se alle Bordeaux 2009 en-primeur
Udlevering af Bordeaux 2009
I lighed med årgang 2005 forventer vi, at det bliver en forholdsvis sen kampagne, og regner således med at størstedelen af slottene frigiver sine vine til salg i maj og juni 2011.
Se The Wine Spectator ratings nedenfor:
CHÂTEAU AUSONE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 97-100
Such a dreamy, perfumed aroma to this wine. Full-bodied, but wonderfully polished and integrated. It touches every millimeter of your palate and the texture makes you want to cry. It touches your soul. Goes on for minutes. Another perfect red? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU COS-D'ESTOURNEL St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 97-100
This smells like Harlan a bit. Supercharged in fruit, with intense aromas of tar, spice, cardamon, clove, blackberry and black pepper. Crazy nose. Full-bodied, with masses of fruit, yet focused and in form. Chewy tannins, with great length. This goes on and on. Incredibly exotic. Could be best ever from here? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU L'ÉGLISE CLINET Pomerol 2009 Score: 97-100
The nose on this already suggests a deep and contemplative wine with blackberry, dried flowers and sweet berries. Evolves to black olive and hints of asphalt. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and tangy, rich fruit. It really grabs hold of you and wants to tell you it's special. Loads of ripe tannins too. Big and structured. Turns to tapenade. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU FIGEAC St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 97-100
Really fabulous on the nose, with sweet milk chocolate, flowers, currant and plum. Full-bodied, with incredible length. The tannins are so silky, but they are warm and cuddly. You just want to hug it. Powerful but so attractive. The blend is one third each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 97-100
A dark and brooding wine, delivering blackberry, black licorice, mahogany, subtle grilled meat and raspberry jam. Full-bodied, with layers of ripe and chewy tannins. Loads of fruit yet subtle and reserved, and a long, long finish. Super fruit, yet held back. A 2005 in the remaking, but perhaps slightly supercharged. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR Pomerol 2009 Score: 97-100
The nose is fascinating, with blackberry, black licorice, mineral, flowers and more. Full-bodied, with an incredible texture of ripe tannins and cashmere yarn. A tightly wound ball. What length too. This wine made me feel like getting in the lotus position and meditating. It's almost more than wine. Vinous Nirvana. I think the Cabernet Franc really gave that extra level to it all. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LATOUR Pauillac 2009 Score: 97-100
This is incredibly floral on the nose, with violet and lilac as well as dark and ripe raspberry and blueberry. Full-bodied, with a dense and incredibly rich palate yet held back and in reserve. Such precision and beauty. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This reminds me of the 1990, but better made and better raised. It is really the style of Latour, where the tannins grab you at the end. This will most likely be a perfect wine. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES St.-Julien 2009 Score: 97-100
Black color. What a nose. Black licorice, raspberry, currant and dried flowers galore. Full-bodied and superpowerful, with masses of fruit and toasted oak, but a blockbuster finish of fruit, tannins and everything else. I have never tasted such a flashy sample. I am blown away by this. A more fruit-forward style for Las Cases. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU MALESCOT-ST.-EXUPÉRY Margaux 2009 Score: 97-100
This is absolutely fabulous. I love the complex aromas of ripe fruit and fresh flowers that turn to mineral and raspberry, along with tannins on the finish. This changes all the time. Full-bodied and dense, but so beautiful and long. The layers of ultrafine tannins just turn off the tip of your tongue. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU MONTROSE St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 97-100
Big and structured, delivering wild aromas of Indian spices, crushed berry, sweet tobacco and coffee. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety, chewy tannins and a long spicy finish. The château says this is like the 1990, but I think it could be even better. It's certainly better made. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2009 Score: 97-100
I am speechless over the nose in this wine. Mint, blackberry, currant and black licorice turn to flowers such as lilacs and roses. Wow. It fills your mouth with the same fruit, but with an intensity of superpolished tannins. It finishes with complex yet reserved coffee, toasted oak and ripe fruit and then in two or three minutes it becomes milk chocolate. Just a joy to taste. Best Mouton since 1982 or 1986; in fact, it's like a bend of the two. A perfect Mouton? 88 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 percent Merlot. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS Pomerol 2009 Score: 97-100
What a nose this has. I close my eyes when I smell this, and I see perfectly ripe Merlot grapes crushed in the vats. Blackberry, mineral, black licorice, coffee bean and chocolate lead to a full body, with round yet firm tannins and beautiful fruit. The luxurious finish offers a cashmere texture and gorgeous fruit. Rich and subtle. Doesn't appear to be the 2005, but very close. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU TROTANOY Pomerol 2009 Score: 97-100
A nose of dark chocolate and crushed raspberry evolves to blackberry and ripe raspberry. Full-bodied, with chewy and powerful tannins that leave a rich and mouthpuckering finish. This is a big and powerful Trot. Wow. Haven't tasted a Trot like this in decades. —J.S.
VIEUX-CHÂTEAU-CERTAN Pomerol 2009 Score: 97-100
This has an incredible nose of chocolate and berries that turns to sweet tobacco and China tea leaves. Full-bodied, with a beautiful softness and silkiness that makes you want to keep tasting it. Goes on and on. 84 percent Merlot, 8 percent Cabernet Franc and 8 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU CHEVAL-BLANC St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 96-99
I have never smelled a Cheval like this, with red fruit and an undertone of seashell, lilac and sandalwood that makes you dream, turning to chocolate. Full-bodied, but tight and precise with a laser-guided finish of ultrafine tannins. Superlong. 60 percent Merlot and 40 percent Cabernet Franc. This is like the 1990 but superclean. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU St.-Julien 2009 Score: 96-99
This has an impressive powerful and hearty structure, with seductive floral, currant and licorice aromas and flavors, showing powerful tannins at the end. This sneaks up on you at the end. Structured and very, very powerful. The blockbuster tannins are sweet and fruit-coated. This is a classic, powerful style of Ducru. May be best yet. Wow. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU L'EVANGILE Pomerol 2009 Score: 96-99
I love the aromas of black olive and blueberry, with mineral and light mint. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins. Superlong. This is dense and very beautiful, with such a great core of fruit. Silky texture. Not sure it is going to be better than 2005 (100 pointer!) but super. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Pauillac 2009 Score: 96-99
Offers currant and wild raspberry, with a lilac and exotic character on the nose, turning to sweet tobacco and cedar. Full-bodied, showing very racy tannins and a balance of pretty fruit. This is powerful yet elegant, almost delicate, with a wonderful polish. But then the tannins take off. Muscular yet agile. A very classic Bordeaux style. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Margaux 2009 Score: 96-99
The nose is so intensely fruity, but subtle and reserved at the same time. Fascinating. Full-bodied, yet superrefined, building on the palate. It's like watching a long-distance runner starting off slowly but continuing along his or her path. Fine and dense tannins. A few minutes in the glass and the massive tannins show. Muscular and subdued. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LE PIN Pomerol 2009 Score: 96-99
This is classic Merlot from Pomerol on the nose, with black licorice, black olive and rich fruit. Yet it's subtle and pretty. Full-bodied, and chewy, with loads of power. Tannic and muscular. Chocolate, coffee and vanilla bean. I can't remember a Le Pin like this. You'd have to go back to 1986, or 1983. —J.S.
CHAPELLE D'AUSONE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 95-98
Delivers blueberry and blackberry aromas, with hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied, featuring chewy, rich tannins and a beautiful velvety texture. This is superb. Really structured. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE Pomerol 2009 Score: 95-98
Such wonderful clarity to this wine, with violets, black and exotic fruits. Fabulous nose. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a silky, silky finish. Such beauty. Really stunning. Class. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 95-98
Lovely sweet berry and plum aromas, with hints of sandalwood and cedar. Full-bodied, with milk chocolate, berry and vanilla bean character. Thick and dense tannins, but balanced and very pretty. Sneaks up on you. Really powerful in tannins. This could be better than the fab 2005. 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 percent Merlot and 3 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S.
LA MONDOTTE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 95-98
Black olive, green olive and coffee bean. Ripe fruit too. Full-bodied, with velvety and polished tannins and fabulous fruit. Love the texture and depth of fruit to this wine. So long too. Tangy freshness at the end. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PALMER Margaux 2009 Score: 95-98
Loaded with exotic fruit, with masses of crushed blackberry and blueberry. Superclear and fruit forward. Full and velvety, with fresh acidity and a long, long finish. This is almost in your face, but reserved in a way. Superseductive. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PAVIE-DECESSE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 95-98
Tar and blackberry on the nose, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied and very concentrated, with loads of blackberry fruit. Massive. But slightly less extracted than the Pavie. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-LALANDE Pauillac 2009 Score: 95-98
Wow. This has an incredible complexity on the nose of currant, spice, mineral and flowers. Full-bodied, with a great density of fruit and tannins, yet polished and beautiful. This could be the new 1982 from here. Made from 75 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Merlot and 5 percent Petit Verdot. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET Pauillac 2009 Score: 95-98
Delivers aromas of blueberry skin, fresh flowers, licorice and raspberry sauce, with something exotic underneath it all. Full-bodied, with wonderful clarity and freshness. It's like looking at a full moon on a crystal-clear night in the country. This keeps coming at you, with tannins and ripe fruit. What balance, yet power to the wine. I love how the wine changes and challenges you with every sip. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PROVIDENCE Pomerol 2009 Score: 95-98
Offers fabulous aromas of crushed blackberry and blueberry, with lightly roasted coffee bean and black olive. Full-bodied, delivering polished, chewy tannins and a long, juicy finish. Rich and powerful. Blockbuster. Roasted fruit on this. Best ever from here? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 95-98
Clean. Blackberry and lightly toasted oak with coffee and cedar. Full-bodied and a very, very powerful structure. Blockbuster. Massive and dense, yet remains agile. A triumph for this estate. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 94-97
Concentrated aromas of boysenberry and raspberry jam. Full-bodied and powerful, with beautiful fruit-coated tannins and a long, spicy, rich aftertaste. All there for a top vintage from Angélus. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU CANON-LA GAFFELIÈRE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 94-97
The Cabernet Franc really comes out here, with roasted berry, coffee bean and citrus following through to blackberry. Full-bodied, with fabulous concentration of fruit and supersoft tannins, a long, long finish. This is so juicy and wonderful. No dry tannins here. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE Pauillac 2009 Score: 94-97
Lovely nose of sweet currant and blueberry that follows through to a full body, with juicy, velvety tannins and a licorice, tar and dark chocolate finish. Like it. The new 1982? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE St.-Julien 2009 Score: 94-97
Beautiful aromas of currant, black licorice and blueberry follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, juicy finish. Big wine. Could be better than the classic 2000. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 94-97
Shows juicy aromas of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon and currant, with hints of forest fruits and sandalwood. Full-bodied, offering chewy, mouthcoating tannins that are fruit-coated and velvety. Dense and powerful. A little subdued. Could be better than I think. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PAVIE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 94-97
Blackberry, black cherry, licorice and mineral. Full-bodied, with a big core of velvety tannins and rich fruit. Full throttle, and all there. Really massive. Blockbuster and more. Could be a tad overdone. But we will see in bottle. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ-LICHINE Margaux 2009 Score: 94-97
Complex aromas of mineral, blueberry and currant follow through to a full body, with superfine tannins and a long, long finish. This is exceptional. Best of all time. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU CALON-SÉGUR St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 93-96
Delivers gorgeous aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice, with hints of tobacco and spice. Full-bodied, offering a lovely texture and refinement. Very long and beautiful, with tangy acidity and lively fruit. A rich, yet very balanced, Calon. This is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon instead of the normal blend with 40 percent Merlot. The château is now using 100 percent new wood. Like the changes. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU CANTENAC-BROWN Margaux 2009 Score: 93-96
Fresh berry and currant, with mint and spices. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Toasted oak, ripe fruit, everything. A beauty. Best ever. —J.S.
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 93-96
Shows a super nose of crushed blueberry and blackberry, with hints of raspberry. Full-bodied, offering a fabulous core of fruit and ripe tannins that caress your palate for minutes. Love the chocolate and blueberry character. Wonderful texture. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON Pauillac 2009 Score: 93-96
Delivers blackberry galore, with fabulous floral and currant undertones. Complex on the nose. Full-bodied, offering chewy tannins and lots of black licorice and currant character. Chewy, but reserved at the same time. A top Clerc. 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 44 percent Merlot, 4 percent Cabernet Franc, 1 percent Petit Verdot and 1 percent Carmenère. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA DOMINIQUE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 93-96
Sweet berry and plum, with wild cherry. Full and velvety. Long finish. Clear and focused fruit. Best in years? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL Pessac-Léognan 2009 Score: 93-96
Intense blueberry, coffee bean and toasted oak character follows through to a full body, with supervelvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is really excellent. Best Fieuzal in years. —J.S.
LA FLEUR DE BOÜARD Lalande-de-Pomerol Le Plus 2009 Score: 93-96
Spicy, with super fruit and an opulent nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, juicy finish. Love the cashmerelike texture. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU HOSANNA Pomerol 2009 Score: 93-96
Offers ripe plum, with hints of peach, turning to violet and black olive on the nose. Fascinating aromas. Full-bodied, featuring chewy tannins that turn polished and silky. Long and flavorful at the finish. Refined power. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LATOUR À POMEROL Pomerol 2009 Score: 93-96
Blueberry, with mineral and dried rose petal, lead to a full body, with chewy, yet polished tannins that go on for minutes. Solid and very pretty. Grows on the palate. Best in years. Very serious indeed. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ St.-Julien 2009 Score: 93-96
Wonderful aromas of currant and blackberry, with black olives. Full-bodied, with a mouth-coating palate of supersoft tannins that go on and on. Solid and polished. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU NENIN Pomerol 2009 Score: 93-96
What a nose of raspberry jam and violets. Amazingly rich and ripe, yet balanced and elegant. Full-bodied, with layers of ripe tannins and wonderfully ripe fruit. Opulent and sexy. Best since the 1950s? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU POUGET Margaux 2009 Score: 93-96
Currant and blackberry galore on the nose, but the palate seems subtle and beautiful. Full-bodied, with wonderful silky tannins and a mineral, mint and berry aftertaste. Such delicious fruit here. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU POUJEAUX Moulis 2009 Score: 93-96
Full and very velvety, with round and juicy tannins. Creamy. New ownership here is really making a difference in wine quality; this is the best ever after maybe the 1929. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA Margaux 2009 Score: 93-96
Shows a lovely concentration of currant and blackberry. Hints of vanilla follow through to a full body, with layers of ripe fruit and fine, fruit-coated tannins. I love the ripe and pretty fruit to this. Very fruit-forward. The château cut back on the new wood, and went for a fruitier style. I like that. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU BATAILLEY Pauillac 2009 Score: 92-95
Currant and blackberry on the nose, with hints of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins. This is the biggest Batailley in years. Lots of improvement here. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU BELLEGRAVE Pauillac 2009 Score: 92-95
Concentrated, with loads of currant and blackberry that turn to mint on the nose. Full-bodied, with polished and velvety tannins. Beautiful finish with licorice and fruit. Really excellent. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU St.-Julien 2009 Score: 92-95
Aromas of blueberry, dried citrus fruit and currant. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Structured and tannic, but sweet fruit behind. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU CHANTELUNE Margaux 2009 Score: 92-95
Blueberry, licorice and hints of toasted oak on the nose. Full-bodied, with wonderful concentration and texture. Long, long finish. This is fab. —J.S.
CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 92-95
Loads of aniseed and black licorice aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely balance of fruit, and everything else. Love the length. 90 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA CROIX FIGEAC St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 92-95
Blackberry with licorice and black olive on the nose. Full-bodied, with lots of richness. Very concentrated, but I think it will come around just right. 80 percent Merlot, 20 percent Cabernet. This is really full throttle. Rock and roll. —J.S.
LA FLEUR DE BOÜARD Lalande-de-Pomerol 2009 Score: 92-95
Supersilky and round, with lovely berry, licorice and black chocolate character. Full and gorgeous. Like it. —J.S.
LES FORTS DE LATOUR Pauillac 2009 Score: 92-95
Violet and mineral, with hints of blackberry and blueberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with superreserved and refined tannins, yet dense and very impressive. Long and racy. Lasts for minutes. Second wine of Latour. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA GAFFELIÈRE St.-Emilion 2009 Score: 92-95
Racy and beautiful, with blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavors. Solid core of everything. Impressive. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU GISCOURS Margaux 2009 Score: 92-95
Subtle and pretty on the nose, with blueberry, blackberry and hints of flowers. Full and very fine, showing a beautiful texture of polished tannins. Wonderfully long and balanced. 53 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 percent Cabernet Franc, and the rest is Merlot. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU KIRWAN Margaux 2009 Score: 92-95
Wow. A subtle yet fabulous burst of fruit on the nose, with currant, mineral and flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a fruity, beautiful finish. So pretty. Chewy. Big Kirwan. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LASCOMBES Margaux 2009 Score: 92-95
Fascinating aromas of crushed berries and fresh herbs follow through to a full body, with velvety, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Wonderful wine. More reserved than the 2005, but potentially better. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON St.-Julien 2009 Score: 92-95
Licorice, berry, grape and currant on the nose turns to crushed fruit. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins, pretty fruit, currant and mineral. A balanced and pretty wine. Not quite the intensity and blockbuster style of the 2005, but excellent. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 92-95
Dark color, with a spiced nose of cloves and cardamom. Tar too. Full-bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a rich, fruity aftertaste. Gorgeous young wine. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LYONNAT Lussac-St.-Emilion Emotion 2009 Score: 92-95
Coffee and ripe plum, with hints of prune on the nose. Full-bodied, with beautiful fruit and supersilky tannins. Long and gorgeous. Best ever from here. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU MEYNEY St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 92-95
Spicy and beautiful with blackberry and currant character. Full and silky, with beautiful fruit and a long finish. —J.S.
PENSÉES DE LAFLEUR Pomerol 2009 Score: 92-95
Dark chocolate, black cherry and blackberry. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins and lots of chocolate and berry flavors. I love the length to this; it goes on for minutes. Second wine of Lafleur. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-BARON Pauillac 2009 Score: 92-95
Loads of currant and blackberry, with mineral and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine, very long tannins. Really builds on the palate. A racy style, with excellent length. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA POINTE Pomerol 2009 Score: 92-95
Violets, berries and black olive on the nose. Gorgeous. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, juicy finish. Lovely fruit and acidity to this wine. One of the best La Pointes for a long time. —J.S.
ROMULUS Pomerol 2009 Score: 92-95
Blueberry, with hints of tropical fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with a rich and concentrated palate, yet balanced and focused. Serious stuff. This is a selection of the best from La Croix Taillefer. Tiny production and superhip. Organic. —J.S.
CHÂTEAU MARQUIS DE TERME Margaux 2009 Score: 92-95
Blackberry and mineral on the nose, with hints of mint. Full-bodied, with superpolished and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. All there. Best ever? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE MONS Margaux 2009 Score: 92-95
Bright blackberry and sweet currant aromas follow through to a full body, silky and refined, with an excellent density and a long, long finish. Soild and polished. Best ever from here? —J.S.
CHÂTEAU TOUR DES TERMES St.-Estèphe 2009 Score: 92-95
Wow. Great nose of bright dark berries and currant, with Indian spices as well. Full-bodied, with round and chewy tannins, but polished and very pretty and enticing. Big juicy wine with balance. This small estate continues to make excellent wines in top vintages. —J.S.
