Pomerol - 2009 Bordeaux Futures List - VINTAGES

Pomerol - Red Wine

BOURGNEUF

192948 (XD) 750 mL

$54 per btl $162 per 3-btl. lot

WS: 90-93 JR: 16 WE: 90-92 TJW: 9.2+

TASTING NOTE: Displays crushed Merlot grapes on the nose, and lovely pure, grapey fruit character. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of fruit. A little one-dimensional, but I really appreciate the concentration. Score: 90-93 (WS)

CERTAN DE MAY

192963 (XD) 750 mL

$139 per btl $417 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 93-95 DEC: *** WS: 90-93 JR: 17.5 WE: 94-96 TJW: 9.5+

TASTING NOTE: The most powerful, finest overall wine made at this estate since their 1982, the muscular 2009 reveals a dense ruby/purple color in addition to meaty, smoky notes of black cherries, iron, truffles, loamy soil, and spice. Dense, full-bodied, and virile with a boatload of tannin, patience will be a virtue as this wine needs 5-6 years of cellaring. It should last for three decades or more. (Tasted three times.) Drink: 2015-2045. Score: 93-95 (RP)

CLINET

200451 (XD) 750 mL

$175 per btl $525 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 97-100* DEC: **** WS: 95-98 JR: 17 GD: 18

TASTING NOTE: The greatest Clinet since the incredible duo produced by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute in 1989 and 1990, the 2009 (tasted on 4 separate occasions) was off the charts in terms of quality and potential. Yields of 47 hectoliters per hectare were not particularly low, and the fruit used in the final blend (87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon; 14% natural alcohol) was all harvested between September 21 and October 7. The wine boasts an opaque black/purple color in addition to a gorgeous bouquet of truffles, charcoal, asphalt, blackberries, blueberries, and meaty, smoky notes. This dense, unctuously-textured Pomerol is built like a skyscraper with multiple layers, sweet tannins, and enormous concentration as well as length. The good news is there will be 4,000 cases of this modern day legend in the making. It should drink well for 30-35 years. While it’s hard to eclipse a 100-point wine (1989), the 2009 appears to be the finest Clinet has ever made. (Tasted four times.) Drink: 2010-2045. Score: 97-100* (RP)

CLOS L'ÉGLISE

200469 (XD) 750 mL

$285 per btl $855 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 96-100* DEC: **** WS: 93-96 JR: 16.5

TASTING NOTE: After the brilliant 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2005, I didn’t think proprietor Helene Garcin and consulting winemaker Dr. Alain Raynaud could do any better, but the 2009 Clos l’Eglise may turn out to be superior to the aforementioned vintages. An extraordinary wine of compelling intensity, opulence, and breadth of flavor, it possesses a dark purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet mocha, coffee-infused blackberry and black cherry fruit, and no hint of oak. Fleshy and extravagantly rich with terrific purity and precision, it is a very full-bodied, powerful Pomerol that should drink well for 25+ years. (Tasted two times.) Drink: 2010-2035. Score: 96-100* (RP)

CLOS RENÉ

196485 (XD) 750 mL

$42 per btl $126 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 88-90 TJW: 9.0

TASTING NOTE: As usual, the 2009 Clos Rene is well-made, but just doesn’t hit the top echelon. It reveals a dense plum/ruby color, lots of sweet black cherry and plum-like fruit, lush, heady, medium to full-bodied flavors, silky tannins, and a robust, exuberant, fat finish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. (Tasted once.) Score: 88-90 (RP)

GAZIN

193011 (XD) 750 mL

$119 per btl $357 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 94-96* DEC: **** WS: 92-95 JR: 16 GD: 17 TJW: 9.5+

TASTING NOTE: Ferocious extract, huge tannin, an opaque purple color, and enormous richness all make for a potentially brilliant wine from this vineyard, located on the plateau of Pomerol just adjacent to Petrus. Probably a late finisher of malolactic given its showing on three separate occasions, this wine, which is enormously endowed, very rich, and full-bodied, has a chance to be the best Gazin ever made. However, patience will be a virtue, as the wine will certainly need 5-8 years of cellaring. (Tasted three times.) Drink: 2010-2015. Score: 94-96* (RP)

HOSANNA

193201 (XD) 750 mL

$175 per btl $525 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 98-100 DEC: **** WS: 93-96 JR: 17 WE: 94-96 TJW: 9.8

TASTING NOTE: A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the more ethereal and compelling efforts of the vintage. The 2009 Hosanna possesses great intensity, extraordinary balance, purity, and density, and a remarkable perfume of licorice, black fruits, spring flowers, incense, and Christmas spices. The wine hits the palate with full-bodied power, displaying silky texture, viscous, opulent mid-palate, high levels of glycerin, and considerable, but well-concealed tannins. In many ways, this is what some of the greatest 1982s tasted like (the tannins were virtually impossible to find at this stage). It should last 25-30 years. Kudos to Christian Moueix! (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2040. Score: 98-100 (RP)

L’ÉGLISE-CLINET

204412 (XD) 750 mL

$645 per btl $1,935 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 98-100 DEC: ***** WS: 97-100 JR: 17.5+ GD: 16.5 TJW: 9.7

TASTING NOTE: The 2009 l’Eglise Clinet may eclipse some of the other efforts made by proprietor Denis Durantou over the years. Harvested between September 14 and 28, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc is a powerful, almost uber-concentrated wine that tastes like an elixir of Pomerol with an incredibly unctuous feel. This dense purple-colored 2009 (which achieved 14.5% natural alcohol) is extremely powerful, but that power is concealed beneath a mountain of glycerin, fruit, concentration, and body. The purity and richness are off the charts, and the silkiness of the tannins is ethereal. This extraordinary wine possesses extremely high levels of tannin, but according to Durantou, they have almost disappeared because of the wine’s amazing depth and richness. It will undoubtedly need a decade of aging after bottling, but it should last for 50+. It is a modern day legend in the making. (Tasted two times.) Score: 98-100 (RP)

L’ÉVANGILE

199455 (XD) 750 mL

$429 per btl $1,287 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 96-100* DEC: ***** WS: 96-99 JR: 18

TASTING NOTE: The prodigious 2009 l’Evangile may be the greatest wine made at this estate during my 30+ years of tasting Bordeaux. Yields were 39 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest was relatively long, with everything being picked at perfect maturity between September 11 and October 7. The estate is doing malolactic in barrel (a la Burgundy), and the final blend (95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc) achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. Amazingly, this cuvee is aged in 100% new oak barrels, yet no oak is present in the aromas or flavors. Readers should think of it as a better, richer, fuller, more alcoholic version of the 1982 l’Evangile. Dense, full-bodied, and opaque purple-hued, it boasts an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, and boysenberries. A blue and black mountain fruit character suggests coolness, but an intensity and voluptuous texture present the paradox of 2009. The wine has all the characteristics of a hot vintage in terms of power, texture, and richness as well as elements of a cool vintage in its precision, elegance, freshness, and vibrancy. Make no mistake about it, this is an enormous wine that is incredible to taste. Frankly, I could have drunk the entire barrel sample if it hadn’t been my first appointment of the day (at 8:15 a.m.)! This wine should drink well for 30-40 years. Bravo! (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2050. Score: 96-100* (RP)

LA CONSEILLANTE

201913 (XD) 750 mL

$325 per btl $975 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 95-98 DEC: ***** WS: 95-98 JR: 17 GD: 16.5 TJW: 9.6

TASTING NOTE: Now that La Conseillante is making a second wine with more severe selection, think of the 2009 as a version of the 2000 on steroids. This is never going to be a blockbuster wine, because the terroir just seems to produce silky, elegant wines, but in this case, the 2009 has an extra kick and level of concentration that is unprecedented. Inky bluish purple, with an extraordinary nose of framboise, black raspberries, spring flowers, spice box, and a hint of truffle, the wine has great depth, full-bodied opulence, silky tannins, enormous power and richness, but again, a vibrancy and uplift that are just freakish in this vintage. That’s one of the great hallmarks of 2009 and one that will always stand out over the next 30 years. This wine should be drinkable in 5-7 years and last 40 or more. Drink 2015-2055. (Tasted three times.) Score: 95-98 (RP)

LA CROIX DE GAY

192955 (XD) 750 mL

$45 per btl $135 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 91-93* DEC: **** WS: 89-92 JR: 16.5 GD: 15.5 TJW: 9.3

TASTING NOTE: One of the finest efforts I have ever tasted from La Croix de Gay, this dark ruby/purple-tinged 2009 offers up aromas of crushed raspberries, black cherries, vanillin, truffles, and caramel. Deep, richly fruity, and medium to full-bodied, with more substance and generosity than most vintages possess, the tannins are sweet and the finish is impressive as well as long. There is not a hard edge to be found in this 2009. It should drink well for 15-25 years. (Tasted two times.) Drink: 2010-2035. Score: 91-93* (RP)

LA CROIX ST-GEORGES

198556 (XD) 750 mL

$79 per btl $237 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 90-92+ WS: 90-93 GD: 16.5 TJW: 9.2

TASTING NOTE: Another property owned by the young, energetic, seriously talented Jean-Philippe Janoueix, this wine is looked over by Michel Rolland’s top assistant, Jean-Philippe Fort. A blend of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon (14.7% natural alcohol) made from low yields of less than two tons of fruit per acre, the 2009 was relatively reticent when I tasted it (perhaps it was just coming off malolactic). It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with hints of espresso roast, white chocolate, charcoal, and black fruits. Dense and full-bodied, but unevolved, it requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 15-20. (Tasted three times.) Drink: 2013-2033. Score: 90-92+ (RP)

LA FLEUR DE GAY

193003 (XD) 750 mL

$129 per btl $387 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 93-96 WS: 90-93 JR: 17 WE: 91-93 TJW: 9.5

TASTING NOTE: A 100% Merlot cuvee from the plateau of Pomerol, the 2009 La Fleur de Gay exhibits striking floral, blueberry, black raspberry, graphite, and subtle oak, charcoal, and camphor notes. This fleshy, full-bodied wine possesses outstanding purity, exceptional body, and admirable opulence as well as richness. It is the best effort from La Fleur de Gay since the 2000, 1990, and 1989.It should drink well for 25-30+ years. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2040. Score: 93-96 (RP)

LA FLEUR PÉTRUS

193268 (XD) 750 mL

$159 per btl $477 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 96-98+* DEC: **** WS: 95-98 JR: 17+ WE: 93-95 TJW: 9.7+

TASTING NOTE: A mind-boggling effort, this is the finest La Fleur Petrus I have ever tasted. Layers and layers of black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, truffles, and earth are found in this dense ruby/purple-colored elixir. With extraordinary purity, decent acidity, melted tannins, and massive fruit along with elegance and precision, it should drink well for three decades or more. It is an amazing effort! Bravo to Christian Moueix and his team. (Tasted once.) Score: 96-98+* (RP)

LA PROVIDENCE

193250 (XD) 750 mL

$129 per btl $387 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 92-95* DEC: *** WS: 95-98 JR: 17 TJW: 9.6+

TASTING NOTE: This masculine-styled Pomerol exhibits notes of iron, earth, vitamins, black cherries, and blackberries. It is reminiscent of a Trotanoy in terms of personality and appellation character. Full-bodied and super-dense with a boatload of tannin as well as unbridled power, richness, and depth, this 2009 will require patience (5-7 years), but should last for three decades or more. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2015-2045. Score: 92-95* (RP)

LAFLEUR

204230 (XD) 750 mL

$1,395 per btl $4,185 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 94-97 DEC: ***** WS: 97-100 JR: 18.5 TJW: 9.8

TASTING NOTE: The nose is fascinating, with blackberry, black licorice, mineral, flowers and more. Full-bodied, with an incredible texture of ripe tannins and cashmere yarn. A tightly wound ball. What length too. This wine made me feel like getting in the lotus position and meditating. It's almost more than wine. Vinous Nirvana. I think the Cabernet Franc really gave that extra level to it all. Score: 97-100 (WS)

LAFLEUR-GAZIN

192971 (XD) 750 mL

$47 per btl $141 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 87-89 WS: 88-91 JR: 16.5 WE: 89-91 TJW: 9.4

TASTING NOTE: Perfumed and fruity on the nose, with medium body and firm tannins. The finish turns to ripe strawberries and raspberries. A little subdued. Score: 88-91 (WS)

LATOUR À POMEROL

192930 (XD) 750 mL

$95 per btl $285 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 92-94+* DEC: **** WS: 93-96 JR: 17.5 WE: 92-94 TJW: 9.4+

TASTING NOTE: Blueberry, with mineral and dried rose petal, lead to a full body, with chewy, yet polished tannins that go on for minutes. Solid and very pretty. Grows on the palate. Best in years. Very serious indeed. Score: 93-96 (WS)

LE GAY

201467 (XD) 750 mL

$169 per btl $507 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 91-93 DEC: **** WS: 93-96 JR: 17+ GD: 16 TJW: 9.3

TASTING NOTE: Blueberry, sea shell and blackberry aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, yet polished and cool, with a long, racy finish. Dense, with a solid core of everything. Score: 93-96 (WS)

LE PIN

204438 (XD) 750 mL

$2,495 per btl $7,485 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 95-98 DEC: **** WS: 96-99 JR: 18 TJW: 9.8

TASTING NOTE: This is classic Merlot from Pomerol on the nose, with black licorice, black olive and rich fruit. Yet it's subtle and pretty. Full-bodied, and chewy, with loads of power. Tannic and muscular. Chocolate, coffee and vanilla bean. I can't remember a Le Pin like this. You'd have to go back to 1986, or 1983. Score: 96-99 (WS)

PENSÉES DE LAFLEUR
2nd Wine of Ch. Lafleur

204248 (XD) 750 mL

$195 per btl $585 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 89-91 WS: 92-95 JR: 17.5 TJW: 9.2+

TASTING NOTE: Dark chocolate, black cherry and blackberry. Full-bodied, with very silky tannins and lots of chocolate and berry flavors. I love the length to this; it goes on for minutes. Second wine of Lafleur. Score: 92-95 (WS)

PETIT VILLAGE

198622 (XD) 750 mL

$90 per btl $270 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 88-90+ WS: 92-95 JR: 16.5 GD: 17 TJW: 9.3+

TASTING NOTE: This is sexy, with beautiful ripe fruit and spices. Full bodied, with focused fruit and a long finish. Racy. So focused. Class. Best ever? Score: 92-95 (WS)

PÉTRUS

204131 (XD) 750 mL

$1,495 per btl $4,485 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 96-100 DEC: ***** WS: 97-100 JR: 19 TJW: 9.9

TASTING NOTE: What a nose this has. I close my eyes when I smell this, and I see perfectly ripe Merlot grapes crushed in the vats. Blackberry, mineral, black licorice, coffee bean and chocolate lead to a full body, with round yet firm tannins and beautiful fruit. The luxurious finish offers a cashmere texture and gorgeous fruit. Rich and subtle. Doesn't appear to be the 2005, but very close. Score: 97-100 (WS)

ROUGET

194654 (XD) 750 mL

$67 per btl $201 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 91-93* DEC: **** WS: 91-94 JR: 17 TJW: 9.3

TASTING NOTE: Blueberry and mineral on the nose. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity, vanilla and berry finish. Long. Superpolished and pretty. Score: 91-94 (WS)

TOUR MAILLET

189464 (XD) 750 mL

$44 per btl $132 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 86-88 WS: 93-96

TASTING NOTE: There's a deep well of dark fruit on the nose, with crushed blackberry and hints of dark chocolate. Subtle and rich. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Tight and powerful. Excellent length to this. Score: 93-96 (WS)

TROTANOY

199430 (XD) 750 mL

$249 per btl $747 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 97-100* DEC: ***** WS: 97-100 JR: 18 TJW: 9.8

TASTING NOTE: I don’t know what the 1961 Trotanoy tasted like in its youth, but the 2009 unquestionably surpasses the 1982 (which was the finest effort since the 1961) and eclipses anything made since. By far the greatest Trotanoy of my professional career, the 2009 boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as a meaty, earthy nose buttressed by enormous quantities of black fruits, cherries, and spice. Abundant glycerin, viscosity, purity, and elegance are all part of this massive, exuberant, powerful Trotanoy. One of the most prodigious wines of the vintage, it should come into its own in 8-10 years, and last 30-40 years thereafter. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2018-2058. Score: 97-100* (RP)

VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN

202887 (XD) 750 mL

$365 per btl $1,095 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 96-99* DEC: ***** WS: 97-100 JR: 18 GD: 18 TJW: 9.8

TASTING NOTE: This has an incredible nose of chocolate and berries that turns to sweet tobacco and China tea leaves. Full-bodied, with a beautiful softness and silkiness that makes you want to keep tasting it. Goes on and on. 84 percent Merlot, 8 percent Cabernet Franc and 8 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Score: 97-100 (WS)

VRAY CROIX DE GAY

194670 (XD) 750 mL

$85 per btl $255 per 3-btl. lot

RP: 90-93 DEC: *** WS: 88-91 JR: 16.5 TJW: 9.3

TASTING NOTE: A very strong performance by the superbly located estate which rarely lives up to its terroir, the dense purple-colored 2009 Vray Croix de Gay reveals notes of damp earth, forest floor, blackberry, and plum liqueur. Full-bodied and fragrant with superb fruit purity as well as a layered texture, it could turn out to be a true sleeper of the vintage and perhaps the finest wine they have ever made. Moreover, it should evolve for 15 or more years. (Tasted once.) Drink: 2010-2025. Score: 90-93 (RP)

Pomerol - Red Wine

Scores: