Two terrific, value oriented 2009 Bordeaux
ByI am sure many avid wine aficionados have read alot about the 2009 Bordeaux wines. The main issue for me is the price. I am not saying they are not good wines, I am saying for the top echelon chateaux, I just can’t afford them.
In addition, when buying wines for a restaurant. especially nowadays, I am always looking instead for wines which over deliver for the dollar. To me…….Value will never be out of style. Please understand, I am NOT saying cheap……….VALUE.
Having said that, here are two Bordelais chateaux which fit the bill.
2009 Chateau Belle-Vue, Haut Medoc
The Haut Medoc appellation covers roughly 40 or so miles on the Left Bank of the Gironde River. This 9 hectare estate is located near the border of the Margaux appellation. The blend of the 2009 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot & 20% Petite Verdot. …and spent 16 months in French oak, 50% new & 50% 1 year old barrels.
From the first whiff, we were so taken with this wine’s classic perfume–textbook Bordelais, done with class & charm. And, with some air time, the wine just kept opening up with more & more. There is also lots of flavor & character, with wonderful balance & a long finish. This really is a pretty wine & I would love to have the chance of re-tasting this SENSATIONAL VALUE 15 to 20 years from now!
2009 Chateau Haut-Bergey, Pessac-Leognan
I have not tasted a wine from this chateau before, so needless to say I was anxious & somewhat apprehensive especially given the price tag. This is 28.5 hectare estate located in the Pessac-Leognan, with its famous gravel, pebbles & stones on a subsoil of silaceous clay. We just loved the resulting perfume, elegance, refinement & class in the wine. The 2009 is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon & 46% Merlot, aged for 18 months in French oak (50% new).