2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vintage Report
After a cold and snowy winter, the spring of 2009 was mild and humid, with the last frost appearing in February. Unusually violent mistral winds in the late spring served to reduce the crop, but the vines themselves were well-watered and healthy as they headed into a hot and dry summer. The temperatures during June and July gradually rose, eventually peaking at around 40°C during the last two weeks of August.
2009 was a drier summer than that of the highly-acclaimed 2007 vintage and was second only to 2003 in terms of heat over
the last 47 years. However, there was one important difference and that was cool nights, which provided a respite for the
vines, ensuring a steady ripening process.
The 16th September brought much needed and perfectly-timed rain, releasing the vines from hydric stress and strong mistral winds followed, aiding the final stages of the ripening process, especially for the later picked red varieties.
From the wines we have tasted, 2009 looks like another superb vintage in the Southern Rhône. The quality is comparable to 2005 and 2007, with Grenache and Mourvèdre particularly successful. The best red wines have an appealing freshness and depth, with tannins that are serious and refined, yet remain charming. The whites are also delicious, almost exotic in nature, with great concentration, balancing acidity and real potential.
The three domaines we are lucky enough to offer here are celebrated, historic and right at the top of the tree in terms of reputation, vineyard holdings and final product. I cannot stress enough the value for money they offer in today’s somewhat-crazy fine wine world.
Nick Dagley, Fine Wine Buyer