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.

Gerard Perse has been the major force in the huge quality improvement in St Emilion. He has bought several properties and made them major stars of all Bordeaux. Most notably is Chateau Pavie which has turned in a couple of 100 scores in recent years and now is over $3000 per case. His Clos Lunelles is a small estate in neighboring Cotes de Castillon (Pavie is very close) and has received the same lavish investment and attention to driving the highest quality possible from the site. Clos Les Lunelles, came out of relative obscurity and proved its incredible potential by earning a 93-100 mark in its first vintage in 2001.

Grand Corbin Despagne is in the northeastern section of St Emilion near Cheval Blanc on The Pomerol border. This up and coming Chateau - it is a bit hard to say this as it is the seven generation - but it is definitely in the rising star category in St Emilion. . Francois Despagne the current owner and winemaker since 1998 is one of the most respected wine makers in St Emilion. Grand Corbin Despagne has consistently turned in very well made wines over recent years and in fact has been a Parker "Sleeper of the Vintage" almost every year over the past decade.

CLOS LES LUNELLES COTE DE CASTILLON 2009 Parker Rated 91-94 6 bottles $215, $399 ($33.25) per 12 bottle wood case.
" This 20+-acre vineyard, acquired by Gerard and Chantal Perse in 2001, is planted on a clay and limestone plateau. The 2009, a blend of 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, was cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, and possesses 14.2% alcohol. One of the top wines of the Cotes de Castillon, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as tremendous opulence, body, purity, and density, plenty of sweet boysenberry and blackberry fruit, noticeable, but subdued wood, full body, and an unctuous texture. It should drink well for 12-15+ years. (Tasted four times.)" Robert Parker

CHATEAU GRAND CORBIN DESPAGNE ST EMILIIIPN 2009 Parker Rated 91-93 6 bottles $215, $399 ($33.25) per 12 bottle wood case.
" A powerful, inky/purple color is followed by notes of graphite, crushed rocks, incense, blueberries, and blackberries. The flavors are concentrated, pure, dense, thick, and unctuous with plenty of tannin lurking under the surface. However, the tannin is well-concealed by the wine's enormous fruit, glycerin, and density. It should evolve for 15 or more years. As are many recent vintages of Grand-Corbin-Despagne, the 2009 is realistically priced. (Tasted two times.) Robert Parker

These both are outstanding performers in 2009. With their high Merlot content they will also be drinkable young but of course age beautifully in this vintage. With these scores they could cost twice as much if they were located in the Medoc. The Right Bank estates in the right hands is the source of Bordeaux's best value for money properties.

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.