Chateau Margaux, 2009, 0,75 l

According to the owners, this is probably one of the best vintages of Chateau Margaux!

Only 36 % of the total harvest was bottled. Nevertheless, Mother Nature outdid herself in 2009. It allowed the greatest terroirs, regardless of grape variety, to allow the berries to reach exceptional ripeness and to produce a wine of wonderful concentration, finesse, balance and freshness. The Cabernet (87 % blends) is without comparison, except for the 2005 vintage, but it is more delicate. The only two batches of merlot that have been preserved (9 %) are absolutely unprecedented. As for the cabernet franc (2 %) and the petit verdot (2 %), they are at the highest level. The 2009 Château Margaux is an unprecedented vintage in its tannin power and fullness (reminiscent of 2005) and softness (reminiscent of 1990). And, as its alcohol level is barely higher than 13, its finish remains fresh, delicious and surprisingly long. When to drink it? This is a difficult question to answer, since it already brings so much pleasure, but with such enormous potential.

After a cold, dry winter, April turned rainy and cold, resulting in rather late budding and somewhat slow growth of the vine shoots. However, from 1 May, temperatures rose considerably and stabilised above seasonal norms, without ever reaching too high a level. This allowed a rapid and successful flowering, which promised a very even ripening of the berries.

That's when the drought started to appear, although in those early days we didn't know how severe and long it would really be. Very few vintages (except 2005) were so dry. From 10 July until the end of the harvest on 14 October, it hardly rained at all!

Such dry weather is particularly favourable for large terroirs, which can regulate the vines' water supply, and also for Cabernet Sauvignon, which is less affected by drought than Merlot. However, some vines planted in lighter and less clayey soils have struggled to reach full maturity.

While there have been some very hot days during these very dry months, the nights have been quite cold. This contrast helped to concentrate the tannins and anthocyanins in the red skins.

The vintage is a blend of 87 % cabernet sauvignon, 9 % merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 2 % petit verdot.

The wine has a deep, opaque ruby red colour and a dense texture.

The flower is intense and fine. Blueberries, blackberries, mulberries and red flowers are present. There is also forest undergrowth, graphite, a smoky note, followed by sandalwood, tobacco and spices. The taste is intense and soft. The tannins are velvety and accentuated, the freshness youthful. The palate is rounded, joyful, the body bold, the texture creamy. The aromatic sensations are repeated in the mouth and intertwine to form a very persistent, noble aftertaste.

Ratings:
- Falstaff: 98 / 100
- Robert Parker The Wine Advocate: 98 / 100
- Tim Atkin: 98 / 100