The Wine Independent (100)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 Montrose prances out with showy notes of blackcurrant preserves, blackberry pie, dark chocolate, anise, and violets with touches of menthol and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied is jam packed with impactful black fruit preserves, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with epic length and wonderfully fragrant.

The Wine Independent (100)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 Montrose prances out with showy notes of blackcurrant preserves, blackberry pie, dark chocolate, anise, and violets with touches of menthol and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied is jam packed with impactful black fruit preserves, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with epic length and wonderfully fragrant.

From one of the greatest vintages of Bordeaux, the 2009 Mouton Rothschild has just entered its recommended drinking window and from the glowing reviews, it must be drinking beautifully today! Neal Martin notes that the 2009 Mouton “has a more refined bouquet compared to the 2009 Latour” while Jeff Leve estimates this could peak in another decade.

Vinous (94)

The 2009 Clos de Vougeot is a huge, huge Burgundy. It will need considerable time to shed its baby fat and its considerable tannin. The 2009 boasts incredible depth and richness, with layers of dark red fruit that saturate the palate through to the finish. The 2009 is a super impressive showing from the Mugneret sisters. This is an intense style of Clos de Vougeot that has also maintained considerable freshness.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2009 Echezeaux comes across as rich, powerful and totally seductive. It shows considerable richness and depth in a more immediate style than the 2010. The aromatics and nuance of the 2010 are missing, but in exchange readers will find a deep, fleshy wine that will deliver considerable pleasure with minimum cellaring. I especially like the intensity of the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2034.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2009 Napanook, which Moueix claims to be one of his favorite wines of the last decade, is among the finest they have made. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it exhibits a dark plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, incense, roasted herbs, loamy soil, kirsch, black currants and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins and a round, opulent mouthfeel, this beauty can be drunk now and over the next 12-15 years.

As a top-tier vintage in the realm of fine wines, the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2009 is an exceptional contestant. This illustrious bottle hails from the revered winemaking region of La Clape, within southern France's Languedoc. Comprising Syrah and Grenache Noir, it has been aged meticulously, revealing its rich, powerful character which echoes the terroir's minerality.

Chateau de Negly is renowned for practising biodynamic viticulture, dedicated to creating wines of unbeatable quality and depth. Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2009 mesmerises with intense notes of blackcurrants, herbs, and copious dark fruit, supported by strong, yet refined and integrated tannins.

A remarkable offering that ages gracefully, expressing the winery's extraordinary savoir-faire and the unique charisma of the La Clape terroir. The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2009 is sublime today and promises to continue to evolve for decades.

In the renowned Ribera del Duero region of Spain, epicentre of world-class Tempranillo, resides the magnificent Neo Ribera del Duero Neo 2009. Crafted by hallowed vintners Bodegas Neo, recognised for their dedication to tradition and artisanal exploration, this sumptuous red wine is a testament to their supremacy.

Neo Ribera del Duero Neo 2009 presents intense, richly layered aromas of black fruit, cocoa, and subtle spice, courtesy of its meticulous maturation in French oak barrels. The palate unfurls remarkable depth with concentrated dark fruit notes elegantly balanced by supple tannins and a hint of espresso and liquorice on the finish. The longevity of this wine is stupefying; the nuanced complexity unravels gradually with each sip and spans epochs in the glass.

Celebrate the pulsating rhythm of Spanish craftsmanship with the Neo Ribera del Duero Neo 2009, a symphony of depth and complexity tailor-made for the discerning oenophile.

Revered amongst the finest Spanish wines, Neo Ribera del Duero Punta Esencia 2009 is a true connoisseur's delight. Born in the renowned Ribera del Duero region, this vintage is the epitome of Neo's exemplary winemaking skills, embodying the rich Spanish terroir. Crafted from old vines of Tempranillo variety, this wine, aged in French oak barrels for 21 months, exhibits a remarkable complexity.

Neo Ribera del Duero Punta Esencia 2009 has an intense ruby hue and an intoxicating bouquet of ripe red berries, wild herbs, and toasty oak nuances. On the palate, it captivates with plush tannins, concentrated fruit flavours, and a lingering mineral-laced finish. This intricate blend of power and elegance is the hallmark of Neo's winemaking ethos and a tribute to Ribera del Duero's unique winemaking tradition.

Presenting the Neo Ribera del Duero Punta Esencia 2009, a masterpiece for those who appreciate the finest expressions of Tempranillo!

Defying expectations, the Nyetimber 1086 White 2009 is an epitome of English viticulture's high quality. Produced exclusively in England's South Downs, this wine's rich complexity ensures its exalted position amongst sparkling wines. Perfectly combining Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Pinot Meunier, this wine is a true reflection of the Nyetimber estate's superlative terroirs.

Drawn from 100% estate-grown fruit, it is subjected to 8 years' lees ageing to flourish its textural finesse and longevity. Each sip reveals harmonious blend of apple, citrus, almond, and structural minerality, the result of meticulous vinification under the guidance of highly experienced winemaker Cherie Spriggs.

The Nyetimber 1086 White 2009 could be described as an embodiment of Sprigg's pursuit for excellence - an exceptional manifestation of depth, refinement, and balance. Best enjoyed served chilled for an elevated tasting experience, this wine indeed certifies English fizz's global recognition.

Defying expectations, the Nyetimber 1086 White 2009 is an epitome of English viticulture's high quality. Produced exclusively in England's South Downs, this wine's rich complexity ensures its exalted position amongst sparkling wines. Perfectly combining Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Pinot Meunier, this wine is a true reflection of the Nyetimber estate's superlative terroirs.

Drawn from 100% estate-grown fruit, it is subjected to 8 years' lees ageing to flourish its textural finesse and longevity. Each sip reveals harmonious blend of apple, citrus, almond, and structural minerality, the result of meticulous vinification under the guidance of highly experienced winemaker Cherie Spriggs.

The Nyetimber 1086 White 2009 could be described as an embodiment of Sprigg's pursuit for excellence - an exceptional manifestation of depth, refinement, and balance. Best enjoyed served chilled for an elevated tasting experience, this wine indeed certifies English fizz's global recognition.

The Olabisi Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Double Top Secret 2009 is a divine exemplification of the Napa Valley's terroir. Expertly crafted by the acclaimed Olabisi Wines, it hails from the prestigious Howell Mountain. The grapes are diligently hand-sorted, ensuring unparalleled quality. This eloquent wine denotes a meticulous, artisanal production process. Aged for 22 months in exclusive French oak barrels, it showcases a splendid synergy of finesse and structure.

On the palate, it reveals layers of black fruit, amassed with complex layers of spice and earthy aromas. This opulent vintage portrays a suitable harmony of approachability and longevity, promising enchanting development over the next decade. Savour the Olabisi Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Double Top Secret 2009, a quintessential embodiment of Olabisi's passionate dedication to crafting extraordinary wines. This limited-run offering is truly an unmissable treasure for fine wine connoisseurs world over.

Vinous (94+)

The 2009 Opus One is impeccable. It brings together the silkiness of the 2007 with the power and darkness of the 2008, a combination that is hugely appealing, to say the least. With a little air, the 2009 can be enjoyed young, but it is best cellared for at least a few years, which will allow some of the baby fat to drop off. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 1% Malbec.

Wine Spectator (92-95)

Superb concentration, with spice, currant and berry character. Full and velvety. So long. At same quality level as the legendary 1955, or 1959. Score range: 92-95 -JS

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

The 2009 Pagodes De Cos is a blockbuster that I wish I had more of in the cellar. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot (there’s a small amount of Petit Verdot) brought up in roughly 50% new French oak, its deep purple/plum color is followed by a smorgasbord of black raspberry and kirsch like fruits, spice box, dried flowers and licorice. With a huge mid-palate, sweet, sweet tannin, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great finish, it’s an incredibly sexy, satisfying second wine that will keep for another 10-15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

The 2009 Pagodes De Cos is a blockbuster that I wish I had more of in the cellar. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot (there’s a small amount of Petit Verdot) brought up in roughly 50% new French oak, its deep purple/plum color is followed by a smorgasbord of black raspberry and kirsch like fruits, spice box, dried flowers and licorice. With a huge mid-palate, sweet, sweet tannin, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great finish, it’s an incredibly sexy, satisfying second wine that will keep for another 10-15 years.

Wine Advocate (98)

It will be thrilling to follow the 2009 and 2010 la Chapelles over the coming 40-50 years. Much more sexy, voluptuous and layered than the 2010, the 2009 Hermitage la Chapelle offers sensational levels of extract and concentration to go with notes of cassis, black raspberries, coffee bean, toasted bread and sweet spice. Beautifully pure, layered, and yet massively endowed, with sweet tannin, it will be drinkable at an earlier age than the 2010, but I suspect will be just as long lived. It's a true tour de force in Hermitage!

Wine Advocate (100)

Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Pavie drifts effortlessly and profoundly from the glass with baked plums, spice cake, sandalwood, Black Forest cake and blueberry pie scents followed up with a fragrant undercurrent of potpourri, unsmoked cigars and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and plush, this is pure seduction in the mouth, offering a taut yet velvety texture and oodles of freshness to frame the opulent fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced.

Wine Advocate (100)

Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Pavie drifts effortlessly and profoundly from the glass with baked plums, spice cake, sandalwood, Black Forest cake and blueberry pie scents followed up with a fragrant undercurrent of potpourri, unsmoked cigars and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and plush, this is pure seduction in the mouth, offering a taut yet velvety texture and oodles of freshness to frame the opulent fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced.

James Suckling (99)

Gorgeous aromas of ceps and dark fruits with lots of forest fruit too. Love the nose of forest fruits. Incredibly deep. Full-bodied, with super chewy tannins. Powerful and rich with hints of wood. This is a powerful yet classic wine. I love the complexity to this - the balance. The density and compacted character to this is superb. Try after 2018.