2009 de Macard, Bordeaux Supérieur

There is no question that some extraordinary wines were made in 2009 in Bordeaux at the level of the classified growths. What we have all been anxiously waiting to find out is if this quality filtered down to the level of the Cru Bourgeois. Will we see a bounty of great Bordeaux in the $10 to $20 range as we did in 2005? If the 2009 Chateau de Macard, Bordeaux Supérieur is any indication of things to come, the future is looking very promising indeed. Toasty, spicy oak on the nose. Red and black fruits on the palate--ripe plum and cherry notes. There is an extra bit of ripeness here that I think is typical of the Right Bank in 2009. The character of the vintage also shows through in the fine tannins that emerge on the finish. A terrific value in an everyday Bordeaux. Drinkable now or over the next one to three years.

This isn't the first 2009 to arrive, but its character is a sign of things to come. It has 2009’s rich, ripe fruit with just a bit of dusty earth in the back. The sweet blackberry fruit dominates the palate along with some spice. Although this wine might be considered a California style Bordeaux, the tannins are evident on the finish so there is enough structure to cellar for a couple years.

Simply put, the BEST 2009 Bordeaux for under $10 that I've tasted. Super suple, plush with red and black fruit, great for drinking now to excite your palate for more 2009 Bordeaux!

This is an example of the screaming bargains that the 2009 vintage in Bordeaux is going to offer up in spades. A jammy nose of cherry pie, potting soil and warm fig lead to a surprisingly fresh middle palate with earthy flavors of crunchy mixed berries, tart cherries and spice. Although this smells like a fruit bomb it has well defined structure and persistance with a lingering finish. Compare this to any $10.00 bottle in the world.

Drinkable now, but could use a few more years to attain the complexity and body to become great.