Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)

The years when Brane was starting to really come sharply into focus, and this is easily one of the best 2009s in the Margaux appellation, and great value in comparison to some of the biggest names. One for serious Bordeaux lovers, just super competent and impressive winemaking. You get pretty much 90% of what you need to know on the aromatics alone, concentrated cassis, a ton of depth, with fruit, acidity and tannins all perfectly in balance, so juicy and drinkable, concentrated and enjoyable. Decades ahead of it. 70% new oak for ageing, harvest September 22 to October 9.

Wine Advocate (98)

This magnificent, dense plum/purple-colored Pessac-Leognan reveals notes of scorched earth, burning embers, blackberries and truffles. Composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a vineyard gorgeously situated between Malartic Lagraviere and Haut-Bailly, it possesses full-bodied power, a stunningly intense, voluptuous, layered mouthfeel and abundant levels of fruit, glycerin and tannin. The 2009 ranks alongside the magnificent 2000, which is aging at a glacial pace. Unfortunately, proprietress Helene Garcin only produces around 500 cases of this somewhat cult-ish Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.

Wine Advocate (98)

This magnificent, dense plum/purple-colored Pessac-Leognan reveals notes of scorched earth, burning embers, blackberries and truffles. Composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from a vineyard gorgeously situated between Malartic Lagraviere and Haut-Bailly, it possesses full-bodied power, a stunningly intense, voluptuous, layered mouthfeel and abundant levels of fruit, glycerin and tannin. The 2009 ranks alongside the magnificent 2000, which is aging at a glacial pace. Unfortunately, proprietress Helene Garcin only produces around 500 cases of this somewhat cult-ish Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.

Wine Advocate (97+)

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Canon is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notions of rare beef, cast iron pan, cigar boxes and cloves with a core of baked plums and mulberries plus a waft of dried lavender. Full, richly fruited and sill quite youthful, the palate has a firm yet velvety texture and seamless freshness supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and mineral laced.

This exciting wine adds quality and diversity to Bordeaux. Dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc whilst low in Cabernet Sauvignon, it is fruit forward with plenty of personality to its nose. The 2009 has flamboyance typical of this vintage with silky tannins.

James Suckling (95)

Gorgeous ripe fruit character, with loads of blueberries, blackberries and flowers. Full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity, fresh, grapefruit aftertaste. Really beautiful. Best ever from here. Best after 2018.

James Suckling (95)

Gorgeous ripe fruit character, with loads of blueberries, blackberries and flowers. Full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity, fresh, grapefruit aftertaste. Really beautiful. Best ever from here. Best after 2018.

Wine Spectator (93-96)

Fresh berry and currant, with mint and spices. Full-bodied, with supervelvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Toasted oak, ripe fruit, everything. A beauty. Best ever. Score range: 93-96 -JS

James Suckling (95)

Currants and blackberries on the nose. Spicy and intense undertones. Full body, with juicy fruit and a soft, very silky texture and a long, long finish. Polished and very pretty. Best Carruades ever. Try in 2018.

James Suckling (95)

Currants and blackberries on the nose. Spicy and intense undertones. Full body, with juicy fruit and a soft, very silky texture and a long, long finish. Polished and very pretty. Best Carruades ever. Try in 2018.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

92-94 Barrel sample. Big, ripe, juicy wine, the tannins very solid and dark. It has layers of new wood, power and considerable density.

To the discerning palate, Chateau Le Boscq 2009 offers an extravagant and divine experience. Located in the idyllic Saint-Estephe appellation of Bordeaux, France, Chateau Le Boscq is a reputable 18th-century vineyard. This prestigious 2009 vintage brings together a bespoke blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes, meticulously harvested from 44-year-old vines.

This wine is the panegyric reflection of a majestic terroir astounding in its diversity of gravel, clay and limestone soils. The winemaking process involves a 15-month maturation in French oak barrels, imbuing distinct qualities of earthy, dark fruit character and an integrated touch of spice.

Chateau Le Boscq 2009 is a concentrated, full-bodied red wine of inimitable structure and superb ageing potential. Its refined elegance, garnet hue and complex palate of rich plum flavours and delicate tannins, render it an emblematic representation of fine Bordeaux wine.

Under the commendable stewardship of Dourthe, the wine reflects contemporary winemaking techniques coalesced with centuries-old tradition making Chateau Le Boscq 2009 an eminent addition to any wine collection.

Wine Advocate (89-92)

The best Le Prieure I have ever tasted, this 2009 is a hedonist’s dream. Huge red and black fruit aromas soar from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-tinged beauty. With velvety tannin, a full-bodied, opulent personality, and a knock-out finish with no hard edges, it is already impossible to resist, so enjoy it over the next decade or more. (Tasted three times.)

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

So good, it has been the benchmark Cheval Blanc for the past 15 years, and continues to deliver just exceptional quality. Lean in to the poised, confident ruby red fruits, pomegranate, loganberry, cassis, studded with cloves, turmeric, cappuccino and violet flowers, with an undertone of pulsing minerality. 50% new oak for ageing. Tasted alongside the rest of the lineup, and a reminder that in St Emilion when many estates were making winemaking choices led by the market, the best were focused on the voice of their own vineyard. This will age from here for decades, but it is already a pleasure to drink.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

So good, it has been the benchmark Cheval Blanc for the past 15 years, and continues to deliver just exceptional quality. Lean in to the poised, confident ruby red fruits, pomegranate, loganberry, cassis, studded with cloves, turmeric, cappuccino and violet flowers, with an undertone of pulsing minerality. 50% new oak for ageing. Tasted alongside the rest of the lineup, and a reminder that in St Emilion when many estates were making winemaking choices led by the market, the best were focused on the voice of their own vineyard. This will age from here for decades, but it is already a pleasure to drink.