04 June 2010
Finally we are beginning to see the better known wines released. Last week we had Tronquoy Lalande 2009 at £240 which we recommended having tasted it at Chateau Montrose and today we have had Cantemerle 2009 at £240 and few others. Prices of todays wines are higher than 2008 release prices which was expected, but most are less than you can purchase the 2005, therefore these 2009's are looking good value.
Chateau Cantemerle 2009, Haut Medoc - £240 per case In Bond
This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with the Cabernet dominating, looks to be the best they have ever produced, even eclipsing the 2005. Dense purple in color, with extraordinarily elegant floral notes intermixed with raspberry, black currant, cherry, and spice box, it is medium to full-bodied, not massive, but again, very seamless, with beautiful precision, sweet tannins, and an endearing fleshiness and depth of flavor that are neither heavy nor fatiguing. This wine will be relatively approachable in 3-5 years and drink well for 25-30. (Tasted two times.) - Robert Parker 92-94* points
Chateau Potensac 2009, Haut Medoc - £180 per case In Bond
A sleeper of the vintage, the 2009 is probably the finest Potensac ever made, eclipsing even the stunning 1982. This blend, dominated by both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, hit 13.9% alcohol, but the pH is a normal 3.58. Dense, rich, and full-bodied with lots of freshness, the wine reveals abundant red and black currant fruit, a distinctive minerality, and a plush, full-bodied mouthfeel. It should drink well for 10-15+ years. (Tasted once.)
Robert Parker 89-91* points
Chateau Sociando Mallet 2009, Haut Medoc - £310 per case In Bond
Ferocious tannins are not unusual for Sociando Mallet, but I was surprised that in a vintage that produced exceptionally tannic, but ripe wines, the Sociando Mallet tannins were atypically austere. Nevertheless, the wine boasts huge concentration along with an inky/purple color, a full-bodied, powerful palate, and a long finish. Excellent purity, density, and minerality are present in this cuvee, and it is capable of lasting 30-40 years. This estate is situated on some of the finest terroir of the Haut-Medoc, near Calon-Segur in St.-Estephe. (Tasted two times.) - Robert Parker 90-92+ points
Chateau Haut Batailley 2009, Pauillac - £275 per case In Bond
Even though Haut-Batailley is usually a finesse-styled Pauillac, the 2009 is somewhat light for the vintage. However, it exhibits lovely, round, berry fruit, a hint of loamy soil, medium body, soft tannins, and a pretty, elegant style. It should drink nicely for 15+ years. (Tasted two times.) - Robert Parker 88-90 points
Note: scores with (*) mean that Robert Parker is likely to uprate the wine to this score.