2009 Bordeaux Wine between $25 and $50

This property is a real hidden "gem", just a stone's throw away from the St. Julien appellation and stars such as Lagrange and Gruaud Larose. We're happy to keep the secret because it means more wine for us! Owner Francois Nony, whom we got to visit with during our recent trip to Bordeaux, delivers a great 2009. A blackcurrant and cassis-like nose leads to a classic Medoc earthy finish. This wine is well-balanced with a freshness of fruit that is a hallmark of this vintage. It should age well for 5-10 more years. A real bargain!

Listrac's deep gravel soils rival the best of the Haut-Médoc, and this prominent Listrac château makes its wine to a classified growth standard, with the flavors of new oak well-integrated into this dark purple, powerful wine.
-- Ben Giliberti

Well structured, this has dry tannins over vivid black fruits. It shows acidity but also great juicy sweetness.

With vineyards located amidst the finest parcels of Chateau Margaux, cru bourgeois La Gurgue offers one of the purest expressions of Margaux terroir in the entire commune. Tasting the 2009 with its dynamic owner Claire Villars was one of the highlights of my recent visit to Bordeaux. The 2009 opens with a pure Margaux bouquet of violets, spring flowers and a hint of vanilla. It rolls over the palate with lush notes of fresh berries, cherries, and spice, and finishes with smooth, fine grained tannins. Quite expressive and utterly graceful.

--Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education

We tasted Lalande Borie during our visit with Bruno Borie at Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou. This elegant red has loads of bright fruit and a nice, long finish. Should drink well early and continue to get better for 7+ years.

This new chateau (for us) exhibits a deep purple color and a good, full structure. The aromas were of spice, coffee and sweet new oak. This is a precisely made Saint Estephe with elegant and silky styled tannins. Good concentration and length. As with many of the 2009’s, there is a freshness of fruit and juicy character that makes them so appealing. Tasted multiple times during our trip.

This is another new chateau for us. Dark color, medium to full-bodied, with sweet, but firm, tannins. Hints of mocha, nice ripeness. Long finish.