Parker, Tanzer, La Revue du Vin de France, Wine Spectator - they all agree: "There is no question that 2009 is going to be one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of our lifetimes."

5 cases of each available.

Robert Parker's "Sleepers" are his choice for the best buys in each vintage. They represent the wines that performed way abouve their classification and expected cost. Today's Right Bank stars are two of the best of these. They both have great vineyard locations and huge expertise in wine making which is the reason they so outperform their neighbors. One is the small home estate of Michel Rolland, Bordeaux's most respected wine enogist and winemaking advisor to over 40 of Bordeaux most successful (and famous Chateaux).

The second is the personal project of the Becot family of St Emilion's highly respected and perennial top performer Chateau Beausejour Becot. In 2009 these are highly recommended for reference point Bordeaux at affordable prices

CHATEAU JOANIN BECOT COTE DE CASTILLON 2009 Parker Rated 91-93 6 bottles $185, $349 ($28.99) per 12 bottle wood case.
" Another excellent effort from this Cotes de Castillon estate, this 2009 from Juliette Becot is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc that tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol (the highest I tasted). The high alcohol is totally hidden because of the tiny yields (25.5 hectoliters per hectare) as well as the vintage character, which is one of great delicacy and freshness juxtaposed with unprecedented power and richness. A sleeper of the vintage, the 2009 Joanin-Becot possesses terrific opulence and layers of fruit and glycerin. This beauty should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Bravo! (Tasted four times.)" Robert Parker

CHATEAU FONTENIL FRONSAC 2009 Parker Rated 91-93* 6 bottles $196, $372 ($30.99) per 12 bottle wood case.
" The 2009 Fontenil (95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) displays a deep opaque purple color as well as notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, blueberries, and a hint of blackberries. Rich and full-bodied with admirable definition and precision, sweet tannin, and a long finish of over 35 seconds, it is a super effort as well as a big time sleeper of the vintage in 2009. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years. (Tasted once.)

These appear to be the finest wines the brilliant oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland have produced at Fontenil, their home estate." Robert Parker

The Wine Spectator was just as enthusiastic: Ch Fontenil Fronsac: "Shows lots of blueberry, with a minerally undertone. Full-bodied, with superintegrated tannins and a long, long finish. Juicy and gorgeous, with a serious backbone of tannins. Score range: 91-94" -JS

Two not to be missed estates in 2009 - and two of the vintages best values. In the Left bank Medoc these wines could easily be priced at 2x this price

Here is more of what the press says about 2009:

"...virtually everyone agreed that '09 will go down in history as the greatest Bordeaux vintage of all time." Whoa! -Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

"The reasons for such high praise? A seemingly endless line-up of remarkably concentrated yet balanced wines, and the possibility that more properties than ever before have made what may end up being their best wine of all time. There are also rich pickings in the value-for-money appellations of Castillon, Francs and Fronsac." -Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

"A lot of people make comparisons to 1982, which I have to agree with to some extent but, honestly, I think they are better." James Suckling Wine Spectator

There you have it. Consensus on the quality of the 2009s.

Cynthia Hurley

The Details:

These are "Futures Offers". That is, you get a much lower price - and for the best wines; access before they are sold out. You need to pay for your wines to confirm your order.