I hate to fuel the 2009 frenzy but it’s too late anyway. News of the potential quality of the vintage made the front page of the FT on Saturday. Whilst in Bordeaux chateaux are clearing out dubious vintages at high prices with veiled threats that if the negociants don’t buy their allocations of 2009 just might be affected.
Last night I had dinner with Dominic Meneret who, having retired as a leading negociant, now owns two Bordeaux Chateaux. He is hugely excited about 2009. The September weather has been perfect although it did rain at the weekend. He explained that this was in fact hugely beneficial. Up till then there was a danger that the vintage was going to be similar to 2003 i.e. a little bit over ripe and lacking in acidity. According to Dominic the rain has put the vintage back on track to being truly great.
All is still to play for but the weather forecast is excellent. So fingers crossed we really might have something very special.
P.S. We drank Drouhin Laroze, Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2001. It was excellent value and just delicious. 2001 is a really lovely Burgundy vintage and drinking well now.