Fronsac - Red Wine
191205 (XD) 750 mL
$19 per btl $57 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 90-92
DEC: ***
WS: 88-91
JR: 16.5
TASTING NOTE: The basic cuvee, the 2009 Arnauton (98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc) tastes just as good, and has even more punch with 14.5% alcohol. A sleeper of the vintage, its opaque purple hue is followed by sweet aromas of blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, incense, and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful, and layered, like its sibling, it is very impressive, and for the significant difference in price, this would be my choice. Both wines should drink well for two years. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2012. Score: 90-92 (RP)
191213 (XD) 750 mL
$32 per btl $96 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 89-91*
DEC: ***
WS: 87-90
JR: 16.5
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 has the potential to be the finest Dalem ever made during my tasting career, eclipsing even their brilliant 2005. While it is generally a very good, richly fruity, open-knit Fronsac, in 2009, the wine possesses unprecedented levels of density, substance, and richness. A big time sleeper of the vintage, it boasts a deep ruby/purple color, sweet, jammy red and black currant fruit, crushed rock, and spring flower characteristics, soft, silky tannins, good freshness, and a lively, vibrant personality. Enjoy it over the next decade. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2020. Score: 89-91* (RP)
194647 (XD) 750 mL
$42 per btl $126 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 91-93*
DEC: ****
WS: 91-94
JR: 16.5
WE: 90-92
TJW: 9.1
TASTING NOTE: Shows lots of blueberry, with a minerally undertone. Full-bodied, with superintegrated tannins and a long, long finish. Juicy and gorgeous, with a serious backbone of tannins. Score: 91-94 (WS)
193144 (XD) 750 mL
$29 per btl $87 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 88-90
DEC: ***
JR: 16.5
GD: 16
TJW: 9.1
TASTING NOTE: It’s not better than their brilliant 2005, but this 2009 is further evidence of just how much qualitative progress this large estate in Fronsac has made. Deep ruby/purple-tinged with loads of crushed rock, cranberry, and cherry notes, the wine has a creamy texture, medium to full body, and impressive purity and length. Drink it over the next decade. (Tasted two times.) Drink: 2010-2020. Score: 88-90 (RP)
191452 (XD) 750 mL
$34 per btl $102 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 90-93
DEC: ***
JR: 16+
TASTING NOTE: This is typically one of the finest offerings of Fronsac, but I am not convinced the 2009 will eclipse their magnificent 2005, although it will certainly give the latter wine a run for its money. The opaque purple-hued 2009 offers a beautiful aromatic display of camphor, blueberries, acacia flowers, raspberries, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and pure with a nicely layered texture, the vintage’s unctuosity and thickness as well as freshness and definition, this sleeper of the vintage is another beauty from La Vieille Cure. It should drink well for 15+ years. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2025. Score: 90-93 (RP)
191569 (XD) 750 mL
$34 per btl $102 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 90-92
DEC: ****
JR: 15.5
TJW: 9.1
TASTING NOTE: With lots of minerality as well as a dense black raspberry and black currant-scented nose with foresty floor notes in the background, this opaque purple-colored 2009 possesses plenty of tannin, but it is ripe and silky. Full-bodied and rich, it is capable of lasting two decades or more. Moulin-Haut-Laroque, one of Bordeaux’s perennial over-achievers, has again proved its merit. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2030. Score: 90-92 (RP)
191270 (XD) 750 mL
$24 per btl $72 per 3-btl. lot
RP: 90-92+*
DEC: ***
JR: 16
TASTING NOTE: A solid effort, and possibly the best wine ever made at Villars, the 2009 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as notes of forest floor, crushed rocks, blueberries, and raspberries, a superb texture, admirable purity, and a long, full-bodied finish. It should drink well for 15-20 years. (Tasted two times.) Drink: 2010-2030. Score: 90-92+* (RP)
Scores:
We have included corresponding scores from various sources including:
RP: Wine Advocate, www.erobertparker.com
DEC: Decanter magazine, www.decanter.com (5-star system)
WS: James Suckling, Wine Spectator, www.winespectator.com
JR: Jancis Robinson MW, www.jancisrobinson.com (20-point system)
WE: Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
GD: Greg Dunlop, Category Manager, VINTAGES European Wines (20-point system)
TJW: Tom Wilson, Vice President, VINTAGES (10-point system)
Note: An asterisk (*) next to a Robert Parker score indicates "...the finest potential of all the offerings I had ever tasted from that estate in nearly 32 years of barrel tasting samples in Bordeaux."
Prices may change without prior notice. VINTAGES reserves the right to limit quantities per customer.
Please note: Products can only be shipped to LCBO stores.
