Remember when this was the vintage of the century?
Anyway, it seemed like 12 years of age would be a nice time to check in on a lower-tier classified growth, and I was right. This is in a lovely place right now; perfect for its just slightly-exalted pedigree. The disparate aromatic elements of the nose are starting to harmonize - the vegetal Cabernet notes are there (I consider this a positive in an Haut-Medoc), with smoke, just ground coffee, crushed ripe blackcurrant and a very pure earthy element.
The wine’s tannins have softened without vanishing, and there’s a delicious, velvety, ripe middle palate that gets a nice lift from the wine’s acid on the finish. Lacks the complexity for “greatness,” but unlike some 2009 Bdx critics I am not claiming “greatness” for a fifth growth. This fulfills its pedigree - which is my experience with most Bordeaux and Burgundy - wines rarely punch so far above their terroir classification with extended cellaring, though the 90 BDL is certainly an exception to the rule so far. I am skeptical about some of the “perfect” 09s I have tasted young.
Shows excellent length and finesse on the finish. Cabernet green bean and pepper intertwined with cassis and currants. Has enough structure left in the middle to make me think this has some time ahead of it, and room for improvement, but quite good now.