Bordeaux 2009 The Best this Century?
It started October of 2009, rumors that all Bordeaux appellations in France were set to have their best vintage in 60 years with the 2009 vintage. Reports trickled out, and the critics flocked to Bordeaux. Robert Parker rated St. Julien, Margaux, Graves, & Pomerol all over 97 points (St. Emilion was rated just a meager 93) a feat that has never happened. He rated three of the sub appellations 96+ in 2005, three in 2000, and three in 1990. But for four of the five to be rated over 97 with the fifth getting a 93? This must be the vintage to talk about.Soon after the hype and the ratings we received our pre-buy sheets in January of 2010. Talk about sticker shock. After decreasing their prices with the 2007 and 2008 vintages due mainly to the economy, the Bordeaux wineries were not shy about takin acai powder g their prices back up and even surpassing 2005 vintage prices.So what makes this vintage so great? Perfect weather to sum it up. Bordeaux enjoyed ideal growing conditions of beautiful, fine days followed by cool nights (which keeps the grapes from over ripening) during the late spring/early summer. July & August were the perfect hot and sunny days need to ripen the fruit followed by a rainy season in late August/September that stops the grapes from ripening and helps develop tannins that will provide the age-ability on the wines. Growers have to look back to the 40s, 1949 exactly, to even try to find a comparison on the weather conditions. If there has been a perfect growing season, this is it for Bordeaux.Fast forward a year and we are now receiving the first of the 2009 shipment.judgment day.