TWN: 2009 Bordeaux

2009 Chateau Bard Haut; This is a highly (RMP) rated Bordeaux and I keep on thinking that THIS time I will see the wonder of this wine but NO, it again disappoints. Very dark purple with a nose of plum and herb (sage) and the same on the palate, there is an astringency that I cannot get beyond. The tannins are beginning to resolve (6 hs. of decant) but the acidity is holding steady. It seems unfortunate, but it looks like Bordeaux for me needs to be good years of 2nd, 3rd or 4th growth and with a good bit of age for me to get excited about them. I have never (almost) had 1st growth but the few Pavie, Pichon Baron, Clos St. Martin, Clos de Sarpe, etc. have exceeded many Cal. Cabernets, so I do understand their capabilities. I do not think that 10 more years will improve this wine a whit and totally disagree with Parker about the future or score of this wine. abv of 14.6%...... my wife could not even finish a glass.

Jim, I've had a few in the $30-$35 range that I liked (I gave ratings of 88 or so) but I wouldn't say they really excited me. I guess, like you, I normally have to move up to a classified growth Bordeaux to get excited by it (and then, of course, I still find some to be disappointing or to take more years to cellar than I have to give.)

Has a recent 2012 "near St. Emillion" Merlot from Bordeaux that cost $20 and it was bracing and delicious. Infamous "acid hound" Lyle Fass raved about it.

Can't imagine that the modern Barde-Haut style and the hot '09 vintage would be my fave, but don't think it's a question of classification level (and Barde-Haut is a St. Em GCC, just like Clos de Sarpe & Clos St Martin). I think it's more a question of style you like than cost or classification- I generally prefer a $30-40 Cantemerle or Bourgneuf to a $200 Pavie.

[David M. Bueker]

I am also not sure this is a good time to be drinking 2009 Bordeaux. It would seem to be an in between phase right now.