Even more than in the Medoc, producers struggled to contain the high natural alcohol levels of the extremely ripe Merlot. The prevailing style is supercharged, with a rich centre of forward, very ripe fruit, necessary to cover big tannins and phenomenally high alcohol (Troplong Mondot – 15.5%!). The best performing producers do not compare their wines so much to 2005 but variously to 1998 (Vieux Chateau Certan), 1989 (Cheval Blanc) or 1947 (Beau-Sejour Becot).
WineChap’s picks: Cheval Blanc, Petit Cheval, La Tour de Pin, Cadet-Piola (for elegance and freshness), Angelus, Figeac, Gaffeliere, D’Assault, L’Arrosee, Croix de Gay (for power and structure), Beau-Sejour Becot, Petit Villages, Canon La Gaffeliere, Petit Fourie de Soutard (for balance and ripeness)
Bordeaux ’09: Right Bank
Even more than in the Medoc, producers struggled to contain the high natural alcohol levels of the extremely ripe Merlot. The prevailing style is supercharged, with a rich centre of forward, very ripe fruit, necessary to cover big tannins and phenomenally high alcohol (Troplong Mondot – 15.5%!). The best performing producers do not compare their wines so much to 2005 but variously to 1998 (Vieux Chateau Certan), 1989 (Cheval Blanc) or 1947 (Beau-Sejour Becot).
WineChap’s picks: Cheval Blanc, Petit Cheval, La Tour de Pin, Cadet-Piola (for elegance and freshness), Angelus, Figeac, Gaffeliere, D’Assault, L’Arrosee, Croix de Gay (for power and structure), Beau-Sejour Becot, Petit Villages, Canon La Gaffeliere, Petit Fourie de Soutard (for balance and ripeness)
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