Jeroboams - En Primeur Bordeaux 2010

2009 Burgundy

‘It appears that yet another vintage ending with “9″ could potentially be great. In the 20th C, there were only two laggards, 1909 and 1939. By contrast, 1919, 1929, 1949, 1959 and 1999 were among the very best that the century had to offer. The harvest occurred without a hitch under clear and sunny conditions and once again accompanied by the north wind. Almost everyone that I spoke to said that the grapes required almost no sorting and were among the best that they had ever seen, certainly on a par with if not superior to those of 2005. Even better, quantities were relatively generous, coming in between the super abundant 1999 vintage and the moderately short 2005 vintage.’
Allen Meadows, Burghound.com

Red wines

2009 is to be considered, without doubt, as a very top vintage. These are wines that offer a sumptuousness of superbly healthy, ripe fruit and succulent, silken tannins with great intensity and persistence.

‘The 2009 harvest produced the best looking grapes that I have ever seen…everything in harmony – finely honed skins giving ripe, very digestible tannins, excellent balance too between sugar and acidity’ Mounir Saouma, Lucien Le Moine.

‘2009 is a vintage to bring on a big smile!’ Claude de Nicolay, Chandon de Briailles.

Incidentally 2009 appears to continue the run of very successful vintages that end with the number ‘9’ as seen in 1959, 1969, 1989, and 1999. In addition many growers also likened the vintage to the wonderfully stylish 1990, whilst others remember 2002 as being of similar appeal.

The 2009 vintage may not possess the huge tannic profile of the superb 2005 vintage (for which the majority of wines continue to remain firm and closed), but it does charm the palate with dreamy, silken textures. It is by no means heavy or overly mature as many, many wines exhibit a freshness and edge that give them sufficient shape and balance. This is clearly a vintage to be very excited about!

Pascal Lachaux at Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, feels that the tannin profile of the 2009 is the best he has seen since 1989, a very ‘gourmand’ vintage by any standards.

With regards to ageing potential – most growers consider it to be a forward, flattering vintage and one that can be aged confidently over the medium term (5 years plus for “village” crus, and 10-15 years for the best Premiers and Grands Crus). This is a vintage that will also be hugely enjoyable in its youth showing its flexibility and appeal. This is one that will reward both early drinking AND cellaring!
What is more, the personalities of each commune and its terroir are clearly defined, and the hierarchy from “village”, through to Premier and Grand Cru is immediately recognisable.

All in all an impressive vintage however it is judged.

White wines

Excellent wines in both the Côte de Beaune and Chablis. The 2009 white wines exhibit a richness of fruit that has been absent since 2006, yet with more freshness and clarity of expression. They are better wines for sure, very flattering wines and with great appeal.

The best whites of the Côte de Beaune and Chablis are most impressive combining both weight and a richness of fruit with plenty of vibrancy. These wines are not overly exotic yet still manage to present some wonderfully ripe fruit characters. Most vignerons suggest that on the whole the “villages” and Premiers Crus will be ready fairly early, whilst the Grands Crus will provide excellent drinking over 6-10 years and beyond.

It is a white wine vintage that we recommend highly.

Neil Sommerfelt MW
Buying Director
January 2011

For further information about 2009 Burgundy En Primeur please contact:

James Wormall,
Director Private Sales
T: 0207 288 8858
E: james.wormall@jeroboams.co.uk

Matthew Edwards,
Associate Director
T: 0207 288 8881
E: matthew.edwards@jeroboams.co.uk

2009 Burgundy En Primeur Tasting

‘2009 deserves its place in the pantheon of great Burgundy Vintages’Neil Sommerfelt MW, Jeroboams Buying Director

At The Royal Thames Yacht Club, 60 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LF

On Monday 10th January 2011, from 6:00pm until 8:30pm

Tickets £25 (Redeemable against any purchases of 2009 Burgundy En Primeur)

Dress Code: Jackets (No jeans or trainers)
Please keep scent to a minimum

RSVP James Wormall
E: james.wormall@jeroboams.co.uk
T. 020 7288 8858
Please note tickets must be purchased in advance