Wine Advocate (93)

This is a major sleeper of the vintage and the finest Senejac I have tasted. The team from Pontet Canet, who have done such a phenomenal job at that estate, were in charge of making this Senejac, and the result, not surprisingly, is a sensational wine that consumers need to buy by the case. Dense purple, with notes of creme de cassis, incense, licorice and forest floor, this wine is delicious and full-bodied, with sweet tannins, low acidity, copious fruit and exceptional concentration. Everything is in balance, and the wine is capable of lasting 10 or more years.

James Suckling (93)

Blueberries and minerals, with floral undertones follow through to a full body and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Subtle and structured. Try after 2018.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I think the greatest Smith Haut Lafitte to date (possibly matched by the 2018), the 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte tastes like it did on release, offering a smorgasbord of Graves magic in its smoked blackcurrants, chocolate, cold fireplace, truffle, unsmoked tobacco, and Asian spices. While this is a big, rich, incredibly concentrated Graves, it nevertheless maintains a beautiful level of nuance and elegance, with silky tannins, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, and a heavenly finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with all truly great wines, it delivers an incredible amount of pleasure, both hedonistic and intellectual, all while staying weightless, graceful, and elegant. Hats off to the Cathiard family and winemaker Fabien Teitgen for this legendary Graves!

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I think the greatest Smith Haut Lafitte to date (possibly matched by the 2018), the 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte tastes like it did on release, offering a smorgasbord of Graves magic in its smoked blackcurrants, chocolate, cold fireplace, truffle, unsmoked tobacco, and Asian spices. While this is a big, rich, incredibly concentrated Graves, it nevertheless maintains a beautiful level of nuance and elegance, with silky tannins, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, and a heavenly finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with all truly great wines, it delivers an incredible amount of pleasure, both hedonistic and intellectual, all while staying weightless, graceful, and elegant. Hats off to the Cathiard family and winemaker Fabien Teitgen for this legendary Graves!

Scoring 98 points from the Wine Advocate's Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 97 points from Decanter's Jane Anson and 18.5/20 from Jancis Robinson MW, this 2009 "remains the benchmark Suduiraut of recent years".

 

Still taking a while to open up fully, indicting a very long life ahead, it has a "divine bouquet... building layer upon layer" (NM) that "seductively unfurls" (WA) with gorgeous notes of honey, dried pineapple, chamomile tea, yellow flowers and nectarine. The rich, viscous and satiny texture of the palate is "effortlessly" countered by a "beautiful razor-sharp line of acidity" (NM) that gives this Sauternes bags of freshness. With "epic length and depth" (WA) on the finish, this is a wine that will span generations with Neal Martin giving it a drinking window up to 2070.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)

Melted tannins, juicy black fruits, finessed appellation signature, this opens to grilled blackberry and bilberries, brambed and pureed, with slate tannins and a wave of campfire smoke. Well balanced acidity also, this is charming, joyful and ready to drink but with plenty of life ahead. One to look out for.

Wine Advocate (92)

The flagship property of Jonathan Maltus (his residence as well), this is the best Teyssier I have ever tasted. A tribute to his efforts, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc over-achieves even in a great vintage like 2009. Opaque blue/purple, with notes of charcoal, blackberry, cassis and spring flowers as well as a hint of subtle background oak., the wine is opulent, sumptuously textured, dense, pure and multi-dimensional. It should drink well for at least a decade or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Pure perfection in a glass, the incredible 2009 Troplong Mondot offers off the chart notes of blackcurrants, licorice, truffles and saddle leather that just soar from the glass. This is a big, ripe, incredibly sexy wine that hits the palate with a huge texture, building, ripe tannin, no weight, and a finish that just won't quit. Utterly brilliant stuff, it's slightly more approachable than the 2005, but both of these vintages play in the same style. Drink bottles anytime over the coming two to three decades. Bravo!

James Suckling (98-99)

This has a phenomenal nose, with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Perfect. The concentration is phenomenal, and paired with great depth and charm, it goes on for minutes. I am shocked. I underestimated this the first time I tasted it from barrel. Barrel sample.

James Suckling (98-99)

This has a phenomenal nose, with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Perfect. The concentration is phenomenal, and paired with great depth and charm, it goes on for minutes. I am shocked. I underestimated this the first time I tasted it from barrel. Barrel sample.

James Suckling (100)

This is a wine that had extreme intensity of electrifying tannins and acidity, with supercharged fruit. Full-bodied, yet agile and lively. It touches every taste bud on your palate. Chocolate mousse and fruit. I am lost for words. Legendary 1950 all over again. Try it in 2020.

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The Villemaurine 2009 stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship from the heart of the Burgundy region. Produced by the esteemed Maison Villemaurine, this vintage is crafted from meticulously selected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in their award-winning vineyards. Utilizing traditional vinification methods, the grapes undergo cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their vibrant fruit flavours, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for 18 months. This careful process imbues the Villemaurine 2009 with a harmonious balance of richness and elegance, showcasing notes of ripe cherry, delicate floral undertones, and subtle hints of vanilla. The terroir-driven character reflects the unique limestone soils and optimal climate of Burgundy, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and complexity. Ideal for collectors and aficionados alike, the Villemaurine 2009 promises a memorable tasting experience, pairing beautifully with gourmet cuisine and fine cheeses.

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