Bordeaux, Part 2009

Why Weather Wins

When it comes down to it, one of the most important factors in wine is weather. The amount or rain, temperature, precipitation, heat, cold, wetness, dryness, absolutely not the redundancy of this sentence, pretty much dictates the quality of the vines fruit. If you put all of this together, you can get a pretty good idea of why the wines around Bordeaux (As well as Loire, Alsace, etc...) are so stunning. A good summer, a good winter, and a good spring. But, as well all things, here comes the disclaimer. Not everybody will agree with this. Yes, we all stayed up late at night questioning ourselves and wondering why people would say such things. But when it comes down to it, in my humble opinion, the wines of Bordeaux in 2009 are amazing.

So without further ado, here are two Bordeaux’s that I have had the pleasure of tasting so far.

Chateau Haut-Plantey 2009 Haut-Medoc Grand Vin de Bordeaux

$16.95

This was the first of the three 09 Bordeaux’s I have tasted, and so far it is my favorite. It is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Haut-Medoc region, and ridiculously good. The general consensus of flavors leans toward very ripe, almost baked red fruit (Strawberry in particular for my palate), black currant, tobacco, and chocolate flavors. It has a long, smooth finish, and extremely easy to drink. Over the next few years this wine will develop into something I can’t even fathom, but it might just bring a tear to your eye. If not, well... I don’t know, but... yea... I’ll get you a beer or vodka.

Long story short, a fantastic wine, buy it, buy a case of it, bathe in it, just treat yourself to it. For me. *puppy dog eyes*

Chateau HautBeyzac 2009 Haut-Medoc Cuvee Arthur Grand Vin de Bordeaux

$15.95

This was the second Bordeaux I tasted, and had the pleasure of sharing it with several wine lovers. It has a Streisand-esque nose that just lingers and tickles you down the spine. It is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, so it wasn’t as smooth and fruity as the Merlot, but still had plenty of black fruit to dance around the senses, and smack you across the face for being a bit too overzealous in the approach. This is somewhat like your date to Senior prom, so take your time and enjoy. It will open up... uh...

when...

...

Yea, it’s really good, buy it.