Two terrific, value oriented 2009 Bordeaux

I 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).