Exceptional weather, and this is showcasing all the charms of the vintage. Firm and vibrant dark ruby in colour, so much depth to the berry fruit, intact, juicy, laced with tobacco, cocoa bean, fragrant rose petal. A...

The 2009 Branaire-Ducru is another killer wine from this vintage that’s drinking spectacularly well at age 10. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it’s still...

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

Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London. The Desmirail -09 has a lovely, very pure Margaux bouquet with touches of crushed violet and pure black cherry mixing with blackberry and wild hedgerow. Natural and composed...

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pontet-Canet prances out of the glass with exuberant notes of black cherry preserves, warm cassis, and boysenberries, followed by a powerful perfume of star anise, candied violets, fallen...

A blend of 91.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.7% Merlot, the opaque garnet‑black 2009 Latour prances from the glass with showy notes of black cherry preserves, blueberry pie, and blackcurrant jelly, leading to an undercurrent...

The greatest wine I’ve ever tasted from this address is the 2009 Léoville Poyferré, which is a step up over both the 2000 and the 2010. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and the balance...

Minty new wood aromas on a wine that shows both great tannins and sweet wood. The fruit is still to show but promises fresh plum flavors that will be delicious and juicy. Ripe concentrated wine. R.V.

The 2009 Champagne Blanc De Blancs Louis Salmon Brut comes from Mesnil, Cramant and Chouilly and was all fermented in stainless steel tank. Since 2009 was a warmer vintage, they did not use wood, as they were looking to...

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

Very ripe for a second wine this is now delicious thanks to the rich blackberry and cassis fruit, full supple tannins and long finish that's simultaneously dry and creamy. Where is that porterhouse steak? Drink or hold.

Starting a duo of magical vintages, the 2009 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of those wines that always seems to deliver the goods. A normal blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that hit 13.5% natural alcohol...

I could have picked a first growth here – Pauillac has three – but this is a relatively good value fifth growth, making it accessible to more wine lovers, yet with so much signature Pauillac in its structure and flavours...

Leading off a duo of truly legendary beauties, the 2009 Château Haut-Bailly possesses that rare mix of opulence and elegance that's the hallmark of all truly great wines. Incredible notes of sweet red and black fruit...

An absolute legendary wine that ranks with the handful of truly monumental wines of the past 100 years or so is the 2009 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, which is close to an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with...

(91-93 points)Barrel sample. Rich and smooth, with tannins that are ripe, some spice and also intense acidity. The blackcurrant character is dominant. ROGER VOSS

A vintage famed for its ripe fruits and firm tannic hold, and one that leans into the style of Lascombes, showing exuberant spice. Black pepper, turmeric, smoked cumin, blueberry, blackberry, cassis puree, young in...

If you are a fan of L'Evangile and Pomerol, and of course, the disposable income, you cannot have enough of this magical elixir. This is bottled hedonism at its best. Opulent, expressive, aromatic, and sensuous, the wine...

Density, power, concentration, this is a full on Pauillac, with a ton of cassis and blueberry, liquorice, espresso, cocoa bean, with an intense muscular tannic frame. Precise architecture, it delivers on the promise that...

The 2009 Rauzan-Gassies has a refined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and light graphite notes, maybe a little closed down though, it opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, and fine...

The 2009 Rauzan-Gassies has a refined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and light graphite notes, maybe a little closed down though, it opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, and fine...