Weather conditions in 2009 lend great credence to the possibility that this vintage could perhaps even surpass the hugely lauded 2005!

Even though the year started with some wet weather for the winter and spring, with hail in parts, it changed dramatically with the summer being warm, dry and sunny. A hint of rain in September helped revive the vines and ensure that the fruit matured to near perfection. Thus the grapes had everything: sugar, colour and fruit.

According to Denis Dubourdieu, Director of the Bordeaux Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences, “Nature has been extremely generous, it is sumptuous”. Even Christian Moueix, whose family produce wines including Chateau Petrus, is quoted as saying “I have never seen anything like it in my career.”

The annual tendency, and fascination, for trying to find comparative vintages has already begun. Needless to say that with a potentially great vintage comes the comparisons to other legendary years (1982 to name one) aside from those that have been most recent (2005).

Nonetheless further confidence in 2009 has also been expressed by other legends of Bordeaux wine-making. Anthony Barton, (of Leoville and Langoa Barton) who has been making wine for more than 50 years, believes this vintage is one of his best ever. Chateau Lynch Bages (run by the Cazes family) are also very enthusiastic, with Daniel Llose (technical Director) believing that 2009 could, put simply, be great!

Prices aside (!) this could be a very exciting year for all fans of Bordeaux En Primeur!




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