Much has been written on the 2009 Bordeaux vintage, it being largely universally regarded as among the great Bordeaux vintages. This too from a decade in Bordeaux that has already seen a number of already outstanding vintages (2000, 2001, 2003 (for some producers) and 2005). I am therefore somewhat excited to see some 2009s starting to find their way to Australian shores. This wine did not disappoint.
The 2009 vintage of Chateau Haut-Vigneau presents itself as a typical Graves wine in many respects, and is a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot. Ruby in colour, the wine opens to a medium-pronounced intensity expression of blackcurrant, cigar box, black cherry and a sprinkling of popcorn kernels. On the palate, the depth of the vintage becomes apparent – a mouth filling full bodied wine with medium length, forward black fruits, tobacco, and medium tannins and acidity. It immediately drank well, yet with time, I liked it even more. This is a very good wine, happily also at a very fair price. 89-90 points
Abv: 13.5%
Price: $38
Source: sample
Website: http://www.haut-vigneau.com/ (importer: http://www.discovervin.com.au/)
Tasted: January 2012