2009 Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac

2009: A “Perfect” Vintage in Bordeaux

On the eve of the en primeur tasting of 2009s in Bordeaux, Professor Denis Dubourdieu took the microphone in front of an audience of 400 wine professionals. Dubourdieu, at the time the faculty president of the University of Bordeaux’s school of enology, defined the five conditions that make for a “perfect” vintage in Bordeaux. First, flowering must come early. Second, the set must be healthy and regular. Third, veraison (when grapes change from green to red) must occur early as well, in late July. Fourth, Cabernet must reach optimal maturity, usually helped along by a few showers in August and September. Last, October must be sunny and dry, extending the growing season in the days before harvest, pushing the envelope on physiological maturity.

Dubourdieu’s conclusion: Miraculously, the 2009 growing season had gone 5 for 5!

Robert Parker would soon write that “2009 may turn out to be the finest vintage I have tasted in 32 years of covering Bordeaux.” In the heart of the Left Bank, Pauillac shined like rarely before, as Château Latour ($2,000/bottle) earned 100 points from The Wine Advocate. Lafite Rothschild ($1,800) came in at 99+ points, Mouton-Rothschild ($1,200) at 99 points.

But — particularly given today’s prices — Pauillac’s drop-dead bargain of 2009 came from Château Pichon-Longueville Baron. Technical Director Daniel Llose and his team crafted what many believe to be the richest, most lavish, and most finely structured wine ever to come off this historic estate.

Parker came in at 98 points; he may have been stingy.

The Wine Advocate described “an amazing opaque blue/purple color (that) is followed by scents of spring flowers, graphite, smoky charcoal, incense, blackberries, blueberries and hints of coffee and chocolate. Incredibly intense, pure and flawlessly constructed with extravagant layers of fruit and richness… This brilliant wine should be at its peak between 2018 and 2045.”

98 points from The Wine Advocate. For the moment, “just” $240/bottle. 180 bottles — each drawn directly from the cellars in Pauillac — are up for grabs. Shipping included on just 2.

• ABV 13.50%
• Enjoy right away
• % Bordeaux Blend