2009 Burgundy Wine between $25 and $50

First, this is not the same as the regular (and very pleasant) Beaune Premier Cru that Louis Jadot offers in many vintages. It is a unique selection of Jadot's best Beaune climats, vinified to Grand Cru standards, including an extra 6 months of aging in mostly new oak. (Note the names of all the vineyards amidst Bacchus's curly locks.) The wine clearly shows the greatness not only of Jadot's winemaking, but of the 2009 vintage, which has an uncanny combination of delectably forward, seamless Pinot Noir fruit allied to a formidable structure for long aging. The wine opens with a stunning bouquet of fresh bing cherries, suffused with gentle notes of vanilla from aging in new oak barrels. On the palate, the bold, pure, indelibly seamless Pinot Noir fruit is framed by a wonderful backbone of abundant, silky tannins. Crisp acidity keeps the finish reassuringly dry, with just the right amount of tautness over the deep red fruit to make you desperate for the next sip. They say this wine can last 30 years and I don't doubt it, but I'm going to have a hard time keeping my hands off it from the day it arrives.
-- Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education

It is a young and fruity wine, with aromas of red fruits, and cherries. With a delicate structure and soft tannins, it will perfectly match with light dishes (hot entrees, white and red meat in light sauce), wine sauce dishes, and white cheeses (not too strong).

Ripe, earthy and direct, this is a charming Chardonnay with broad, plump tropical fruit flavors, restrained oak notes and minerally nuances which end on an appealing, generous finish.

Deep ruby in color, the 2009 Louis Latour Corton Grand Cru opens with discreet aromas of violets, raspberry and spices. On the palate, the fruit is silky, pure, and ultra refined; a quick swirl of the glass unveils notes of ripe fruit, well-integrated with hints of oak. The tannins are similarly well-integrated, supple, and harmonious. Immensely enjoyable now for its pure, graceful Pinot Noir fruit, this wine offers at least 7 to 10 years of aging potential. The flavors are very similar to those of Louis Latour's top-of-the-line Corton-Grancey Grand Cru bottling. This bottling comes from the same magnificent vineyards as Corton-Grancey, but is made from younger vines and lots deemed unsuitable for the powerfully tannic Corton-Grancey. The chief difference is aging ability. While the Corton-Grancey requires years of cellaring, the Corton Grand Cru offers the same forceful gout de  terroir, without the requirement of long aging. That is not exactly a disadvantage!