Bordeaux 2009 - Saint Emilion

Saint Emilion
The extremely powerful, fully-ripe merlot created a potential pitfall for the winemakers of this appellation in 2009. How to balance the viscosity and plushness of merlot at its best with the onset of very high alcohols in the days and weeks leading up to harvest. How to bring out all that beautiful fruit during the winemaking and not let the alcohol dominate the wine. I think that this appellation is the most inconsistent in terms of quality – but the best wines are up there with the great wines of the vintage.


Ausone
Bright deep brooding glossy wine. A purity of fruit on the nose. The attack of fresh fruits continues in the mouth, a cleanliness and finesse. The finish is a long symphony of silky tannins carried by the fruit acids. An incredible wine that was for a few hours my wine of the vintage.19

Chapelle d’Ausone
Bright purple core with a pick rim. A real expression fo the vintage and appellation. A minerality and leanness in the nose and on the initial attack but later a rich mouthfeel with morello cherries. Fully resolved tannins - a stunning effort. 18

Cheval Blanc
60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Bright vibrant purple colour, glossy. A very fragrant nose on the floral side – white lilies with ineral underyone to the vibrant cassis. Tight compact palate, full but smooth and refined tannins. Very pure fruit – long and sensuous. 18

Beauséjour Bécot
Deep purple colour, intense core. Dark fruits on the nose, a little reticent. Goos acid attack. Heat on the back palate, alcohol dominates a little. 14

Balestard la Tonelle
Vibrant purple colour, bright cherry fruit, good attack, palate of plums. Firm tannins – leanness of the appellation. 14.5

Canon
Bright vibrant purple, gloss and polish. Bright fruit driven attack, a little alcohol but balanced by the earthy aromas and fine tannins 16.5

Canon La Gaffelière
Bright mid purple. Harsh attack, lacking body, minerality of the appellation – but a little over powered by the alcohol. 13

Cap de Mourlin
Medium purple, deep core, violets on the nose. In the mouth richness, the liquorice comes through. A warm soft and fully ripe mid palate, firm but polished tannic finish. 15.5

d’Assault
Mid purple colour, deep core. Attractive nose of violets. Lovely mouthfeel initially. Finish is a little tart and under ripe (for the vintage) and shows aspects of greenness. 13

Figeac
Bright glossy purple colour. Concentrated fruit on the palate, a refined wine of quality and style, clean and elegant, equilibrium and finesse. 18

Clos Fourtet
Bright fruit but dominated by the alcohol with a distinct lack of richness. 13.5

Troplong Mondot
Medium/deep purple colour. Already very fragrant, dark fruits with highlights of violets. Strong mid palate, refined tannins with a long finish 17

Pavie Macquin
Bright purple, intense nose through to a concentrated palate. Full and round in the mouth - alcohol is present but all in balance. Very nice 17

Larcis Ducasse
Good sheen. Vibrant Purple. Juicy fruit, dried Indian spice. Balanced and elegant. A great value wine in this up and down appellation. 16.5

La Dominique
Mid purple. Crème de cassis nose, intensity, rich and fully ripe tannins. Fully resolved and very well balanced. Could be a great buy if well priced. 16.5