2009 Fieuzal, Brane-Cantenac, Chevalier, Feytit-Clinet, Langoa

18/06/10

Woh! What a busy 24 hours. If you bought Haut-Bailly, Leoville-Barton, Lynch-Bages or Smith-Haut-Lafitte from us last year, don't worry - you will be given first refusal. The French have gone to lunch, the dust is settling, and we'll be in touch.

Now, in the midst of all these super-collectables, what to do for something to drink? Our money's on de Fieuzal, the best young wine we've tasted from this property, and as modestly priced as ever:

'The finest I have ever tasted, this is an awesome De Fieuzal, with plenty of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blueberry, black raspberry, and sweet cherries. A touch of smoke also emerges from this opaque purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, with loads of glycerin, one can see the more generous, viscous nature of this vintage well-displayed, but also a terrific freshness and vibrancy. It should turn out to be a superb effort that drinks well for up to 30 years. (Tasted three times.) 91-93 points+*.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

And also Brane-Cantenac, from the assiduous and ever candid Henri Lurton, one of our favourite Bordeaux proprietors. We rated this above Malescot, and very close to Rauzan-Segla - both of which sold out quickly at higher prices.

'Only 37% of the production made it in to the 2009 Brane Cantenac (slightly lower than most properties because the fruit was so good). This is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, with a pH of 3.87 and finished alcohol of 13.2%. It is another offering that reveals no evidence of wood even though 70% new oak barrels were utilized. A dense plum/purple color is followed by a lovely perfume of flowers, boysenberries, black cherries, and black currants. Seamless in the mouth with stunning concentration, a seductive style, an exquisite Margaux delicacy, and levels of richness and intensity I have never before seen in Brane Cantenac, it should drink effortlessly for 30+ years. (Tasted four times.) 93-95 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

Having not bought last year, we have thus far failed to secure any Beau-Sejour Becot, Clinet or Clos Fourtet.

View all 2009 Bordeaux en primeur