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."

Chateau Les Grands Chenes in the Medoc (just north of St Estephe) is one of the stars of the Bernard Magrez Bordeaux collection of domains. The Center piece is Chateau Pape Clement in Pessac Leognan($250 per bottle). He owns several estates and along with his Michel Rolland the most famous wine consultant/enologist in Bordeaux has driven the quality of each of these properties to extraordinary levels.

Grands Chenes sits on a gravelly out-crop above the Garonne River which provides a temperate contribution the the site allowing for superior ripeness and a slightly later harvest. Bernard has spared no expense, lower yields, severe selection of what goes in the final blend, new barrels - entire new wine cellars - whatever it takes to to make each property reach its total potential

For Grands Chenes his Left bank cru Bourgeois Superieurer gem this means making wine that rivals and surpasses many of the famous classified growths from neighboring St Estephe and Pauillac (which of course cost 2 to 3 times as much). At pre-arrival pricing of only $23 per bottle this is as Parker says " A big time sleeper" This is Parker's designation for the properties in the vintage that preformed way above their appellation or classification and represent the best values of the vintage

CHATEAU LES GRANDS CHENES Medoc 2009 Parker Rated 90-92*
$276 ($22.99) per 12-bottle case
" Proprietor Bernard Magrez has fashioned a big time sleeper of the vintage composed of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. It reveals a dense purple color as well as a powerful nose of black currants, licorice, and camphor, full body, and 6-8 years of drinkability." Robert Parker

Here is 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

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