France - Bordeaux |
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 Red wines
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| 2009 Château Kirwan, Cru Classé Margaux | Case of 12 Bottles | 12
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12
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£521.10 |
£414.00 |
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 | Very deep in the glass and the nose is ripe and classic. This has a lot of upfront fruit on the powerful and full-bodied palate. The structure is underpinned by the oak, giving it a very upright style. The tannins are well handled and this is a strong assertive style. Maybe not classic Margaux, but the vintage has overridden that to make a bolder statement.
 Blend of different grape varieties
 Dry, Red, Still France Leave 2015 – 2026 
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| 2009 Château Durfort-Vivens, Cru Classé Margaux | Case of 12 Bottles | 0
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0
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£377.10 |
£294.00 |
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 | The nose is heady and opulent and dominated by intense cassis fruit. Plenty of volume here, the fruit is super ripe, but not at all over done, and the tannins are integrated into the wine. This has some structure, but it is the fruit that makes this wine. The finish is long and it is only here the tannins finally show. This is very persuasive.
- Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2026
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| 2009 Château Branaire-Ducru, Cru Classé St-Julien | Case of 12 Bottles | 0
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0
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£621.90 |
£498.00 |
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| Scented berry fruit with a subtle note of mint. On the palate this has lovely purity and a core of ripe fresh fruit, with firm, but silky-nuanced tannins bringing structure and focus. Refined and elegant in nature, almost linear, with a refreshing minerality. Supple, balanced and gently expressed St-Julien.
Robert Parker: 92-95 points (Wine Advocate 188)- Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2025
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| 2009 Château Figeac, 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion | Case of 6 Bottles | 0
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0
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£1,062.15 |
£875.00 |
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| Deep in the glass, almost opaque. Vibrant dark berry, blackcurrant leaf and plum. This is so complete – often one wishes Figeac had a little more depth or backbone, not so here, this has everything. The palate possesses staggering purity and is very streamlined and focused, with the leafy, supple edge of Cabernet Franc offsetting the evident structure. Very mineral, with gravelly nuances developing as the palate unfurls. This is a sublime Figeac with a taut structure, and far more generosity than many a vintage. Hugely impressive.- Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2018 – 2028
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| 2009 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan | Case of 6 Bottles | 0
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0
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£3,756.15 |
£3,120.00 |
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| A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine-s remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine-s unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years.
100 points Robert Parker - Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2020 – 2035
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| 2009 Château d'Issan, Cru Classé Margaux | Case of 12 Bottles | 36+
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36+
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£596.70 |
£477.00 |
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| Low yields in this vintage proved key to the style of d'Issan in this vintage. The nose is deep and intense, with black fruit notes. On the palate, this is very smooth and full bodied, with real density and volume. The tannins are fine-grained and integrated and there is a streak of minerality running right through the wine. An interesting combination of very ripe fruit (40% or so Merlot in the blend) backed up by the minerality from the Cabernet Sauvignon. This will develop really well.
Robert Parker: 93-95 points (Wine Advocate 188)
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2014 – 2022
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| 2009 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Cru Classé St-Julien | Case of 6 Bottles | 36+
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36+
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£1,210.95 |
£999.00 |
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| The 2009 Ducru Beaucaillou will eclipse the brilliant wines produced in 2005, 2003 and 2000. It will be interesting to see how the 2009 fares against the 2010 after twenty years of aging, but my money is on the 2009. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol, this inky purple, unctuous wine possesses classic aromas of graphite, creme de cassis, blueberries, violets, licorice and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied and intense with Ducru's inimitable elegance and purity, it should firm up in the bottle after 7-10 years of cellaring and last for 40-50 years. Magnificent!
100 Points - Robert Parker
- Cabernet Sauvignon 85% / Merlot 15%
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2018 – 2030
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| 2009 Clos du Marquis, St-Julien | Case of 6 Bottles | 0
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0
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£246.15 |
£195.00 |
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 | Made by Château Léoville-Las-Cases, one of the largest and oldest cru classés in the Médoc, Clos du Marquis is now considered a wine in its own right (since the inception of Le Petit Lion as the official second wine of Las Cases). Under the Delon family, quality has been consistently exemplary, and - despite its status - Clos du Marquis can be compared, in quality elegance and longevity, with many a well-known château's first wine.
From a distinct and special terroir in the estate this is St Julien at its finest with vibrant, ample berry fruit, with a lush succulent core. Merlot plays a stronger role than in the Grand Vin, giving approachable tannins and a lush concentration. A classic style with soft, round tannins and pleasingly pure fruit. Appealing, with a refined and detailed finish.- Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2025
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| 2009 La Dame de Montrose, St-Estèphe | Case of 12 Bottles | 0
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0
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£456.30 |
£360.00 |
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 | Sold by the Charmolüe family in 2006, Château Montrose has shared the honours for best wine of Saint-Estèphe with Cos d'Estournel . Located on an elevated plateau close to the Gironde, the château makes few gestures towards fashion. Its wines are unyielding when young and require a decade and more to reveal their personalities.
This, the second wine of Château Montrose, made from an atypical 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, is closed at present, but what is on show is attractive. Violets and crushed blackberry fruit on the nose with firm tannins and a rich texture in the mouth, with attractive weight and acidity. The high Merlot content gives this a silky feel, unusual for this property.- Merlot 82% / Cabernet Sauvignon 18%
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2014 – 2025
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| 2009 Château Langoa-Barton, Cru Classé St-Julien | Case of 12 Bottles | 0
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0
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£600.30 |
£480.00 |
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| Pure, lifted cassis nose - ripe and perfumed. Lovely grace through the mid-palate, giving a layered feel to the fresh berry fruit-laden palate. The tannins are gently mineral on a finish of fresh, fruit skin grip. An elegant Langoa, which shows a classy lightness of touch.- Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2018 – 2028
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| 2009 La Croix de Beaucaillou, St-Julien | Case of 6 Bottles | 36+
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36+
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£192.15 |
£150.00 |
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 | Very attractive and pure, perfumed, blueberry and blackcurrant nose, with creamy notes and a touch of graphite. On palate the fruit is pure and focused. The tannins are fine and accessible and the finish is fresh and of good fruit length. Gently expressed, very well balanced and likely to represent a fabulous quality to price ratio.- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2023
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| 2009 La Croix de Beaucaillou, St-Julien | Case of 12 Bottles | 0
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0
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£384.30 |
£300.00 |
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 | Described by Bruno Borie at Ducru-Beaucaillou as being another expression of Ducru, rather than simply a second wine, this is a wine that has certainly seen an enormous increase in quality over recent vintages.
Very attractive and pure, perfumed, blueberry and blackcurrant nose, with creamy notes and a touch of graphite. On palate the fruit is pure and focused. The tannins are fine and accessible and the finish is fresh and of good fruit length. Gently expressed, very well balanced and likely to represent a fabulous quality to price ratio.- Cabernet Sauvignon 75% / Merlot 25%
- Dry, Red, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2023
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 White wines
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| 2009 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, Margaux | Case of 6 Bottles | 0
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0
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£586.35 |
£478.50 |
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 | A richly perfumed nose, hinting at a sense of subtle complexity. Lemon citrus and floral characters combine with creamy vanillin on the palate and a fine vein of minerality. This offers the perfect balance between freshness and concentration. Although richer than the 2008s, a lovely sense of freshness is bestowed by the mouth-watering acidity and long finish.- Sauvignon Blanc 100%
 Dry, White, Still- France
- Leave 2014 – 2020
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| 2009 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan | Case of 6 Bottles | 36
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36
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£444.15 |
£360.00 |
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 | Domaine de Chevalier is almost more famous for its white than its red, delivering as it does stunning longevity and complexity every year. This is one of the leading lights of white Bordeaux and indeed of the white wine world, every bit as fine and seductive as the finest whites from the Côte d'Or. There is only one thing to do with a wine as great as this, and that is to cellar it and try and forget it for the next 10 to 15 years. The rewards of such patience are well worth the wait!
Neal Martin: A very primal nose with touches of red apple, pear, a touch of beeswax and apple-blossom. Well defined but perhaps lacking the edginess displayed by the 2007 at this stage. The palate is well balanced and light on its feet, well-judged acidity, a slight creaminess on the entry, broadening out nicely on the palate and showing more complexity than might have been aromatically implied. Very pure on the finish. Excellent. Tasted April 2010.
- Sauvignon Blanc 70% / Semillon 30%
- Dry, White, Still
- France
- Leave 2014 – 2020
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| 2009 Blanc de Lynch Bages, Bordeaux Blanc | Case of 6 Bottles | 0
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0
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£152.55 |
£117.00 |
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| The high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc (58%) keeps this fresh and aromatic and the nose is vibrant with aromas of gooseberry, cut grass and citrus. Ripe greengage fruit and a hint of vanillin come through on the palate, adding depth and weight. Freshening acidity and a long, lightly-toasted finish make this a perfect dry white for mid-term cellarage. - Blend of different grape varieties
- Dry, White, Still
- France
 Improving/Ready 2012 – 2016
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Sweet white wines |
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| 2009 Château Rieussec, Cru Classé Sauternes | Case of 12 Halves | 36+
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36+
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£400.95 |
£324.00 |
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 | A defined and elegant nose of candied lemon peel, honeysuckle and white flowers. Flavours of peach and the subtle botrytis notes of marmalade envelop the palate. This has a pleasing weight, cut-through by a crisp dart of acidity and a mineral edge. Lovely poise and direction, very refined indeed.- Sweet, White, Still
- France
- Leave 2020 – 2035
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| 2009 Château Nairac, Cru Classé Barsac | Case of 6 Bottles | 24
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24
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£310.95 |
£249.00 |
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| A lively, perfumed nose of honeysuckle, white flowers and honeydew melon. The sense of weight on the palate is supported by lemon peel and honey characters, while spicy botrytis notes add a sense of richness. A refreshing acidity and hint of minerality keeps the sweetness in balance and this is a broad, rich wine with a long, honeyed finish.
- Semillon 90% / Sauvignon Blanc 6% / Muscadelle 4%
- Sweet, White, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2025
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| 2009 Château Rieussec, Cru Classé Sauternes | Case of 6 Bottles | 36+
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36+
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£393.75 |
£318.00 |
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| A defined and elegant nose of candied lemon peel, honeysuckle and white flowers. Flavours of peach and the subtle botrytis notes of marmalade envelop the palate. This has a pleasing weight, cut-through by a crisp dart of acidity and a mineral edge. Lovely poise and direction, very refined indeed.- Sweet, White, Still
- France
- Leave 2020 – 2035
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| 2009 Château Climens, Cru Classé Barsac | Case of 12 Halves | 0
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0
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£526.95 |
£429.00 |
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| Château Climens is widely considered one of the two best Sauternes/Barsac properties, along with Château d'Yquem. The outstanding quality of the wines from this estate, however, are arguably not reflected in their price when compared to those of its more famous colleague. In a great vintage like 2009, this is as good as sweet wine gets, and anyone resisting the incredible appeal of this wine in its youth will be rewarded with outstanding balance and complexity in the future.
Picked in just two tries, 90% picked in one trie, tasting through 13 separate lots, the core components of a great Climens appear to be in place. Paying particular attention to the lots that constitute a large percentage of the blend (usually around 15%) the common themes are ones of great purity, persistency and precision. The aromatics display pure honey, minerals, occasionally a faint scent of spearmint and white peach, most with spellbinding precision. On the palate, Berenice Lurton has some stupendous lots at her disposal, with ample botrytis, ethereal definition, one or two more powerful, quite spicy lots and others that are shorter and will undoubtedly lend the blend an acidic cut. It will be a joy to taste this after bottling.- Semillon 100%
- Sweet, White, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2030
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| 2009 Château Climens, Cru Classé Barsac | Case of 6 Bottles | 0
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0
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£521.55 |
£424.50 |
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| Tasted before assemblage. Highly botryised in nature. Rich on the palate, yet retaining a lovely sense of delicacy and an expressive florality. There is, naturally, sweetness here, but it seems subtle and reined in. This is likely to be a precise and understated wine, with great poise and finesse. - Semillon 100%
- Sweet, White, Still
- France
- Leave 2015 – 2030
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