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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Remember 2009? Looking back, it was a year filled some remarkable events – Bitcoin was launched as the first cryptocurrency, “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger safely landed a disabled airliner on a NYC river and the iPhone 3 along with Windows 7 were released – but perhaps more memorable for wine lovers and collectors, the Wine Spectator declared the 2009 Bordeaux vintage “the best in years” rivalling the legendary 1961, while critic Robert Parker Jr. declared it “unquestionably the greatest Bordeaux vintage I have ever tasted,” awarding no less than 18 wines with 100 pt. scores. Now entering their second decade of maturity, these top rated 2009 Bordeaux blends offer the “satisfying longevity” that is the litmus test of greatness according to Neal Martin of Vinous, drinking beautifully today and promising decades more of evolution and now available with the bonus of over 10 years of pristine cellaring at exceptional value pricing while they last.
Described as “a textbook growing season” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss, 2009 began warm and dry with early flowering and a healthy, uniform crop set, followed by a perfect balance of sun and rain for optimal ripening and finishing with dry, sunny Fall weather that was perfect for harvesting. Recalling their “seductive intensity of fruit and the luscious textures” upon release, Neal Martin points out the remarkable evolution of the 2009’s over the last decade, declaring “I love the 2009 Bordeaux vintage” calling it “a smorgasbord of gorgeous wines” that “fulfill the promise heaped upon them at birth.” Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson recently described 2009 as “a brilliant vintage which will be going strong in 20, 30, 40 years,” confirming the renowned Bordeaux expert’s instinct “to trust terroir will come through in the end.” Describing 2009 as “one of the greats” ten years on, Jeb Dunnuck declared “I’m happy to report that the wines deliver the goods,” already offering “serious pleasure,” with the top rated blends from even the smaller appellations promising long lives ahead, “proving you don’t have to break the bank to have a classic, age-worthy Bordeaux.”
Remaining “one of the most exciting vintages of the 21st century” according to James Suckling, these top scoring selections from the legendary 2009 vintage “deliver enjoyment in spades” according to Neal Martin, many ranging from smaller appellation to First Growths priced well below their release price and promising “a long way to go,” according to Jane Anson. From a triumphant, terroir-reflective vintage of classic Bordeaux complexity that will continue to evolve over time, collectors and Bordeaux lovers know to act quickly to take advantage of these great deals and secure their stash of these top scoring 2009 Bordeaux before they're gone. |
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Along with the 2005, the 2009 is the greatest Angelus I've tasted and is a perfect wine in every way. Based on 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc raised in (I believe) 100% new oak, its still youthful ruby/purple color is followed by an incredible perfume of crème de cassis and blueberry fruits as well as notes of white chocolate, Asian spices, flowery incense, and a hint of white truffle. Full-bodied and powerful, it still stays weightless and elegant on the palate, and as all truly great wines do, it offers an amazing amount of both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. It has a wealth of tannins, incredible depth of fruit, and a finish that won't quit. Drink this magical, heavenly 2009 any time over the coming 20-30 years or more.
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2020)
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 Angelus is deep garnet in color, with a touch of brick. It swans out of the glass with gregarious notions of Indian spices, kirsch, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, leading to wafts of candied violets, licorice, and clove oil. The full-bodied palate is so, so plush, jam-packed with multi-layered black fruits, finishing very long and beautifully fragrant.
100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Feb 2024)
Blended of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet colored 2009 Angélus sings of blackberry preserves, warm black cherries, stewed plums and dried herbs with hints of Chinese five spice, fragrant earth, truffles and new leather. Full, rich, spicy and decadent in the mouth, it has a plush, velvety texture and well-knit freshness, finishing very long with tons of spicy layers.
99 points, Wine Advocate (Mar 2019)