Two powerful efforts from proprietor Silvio Denz, the 2009 Faugeres may turn out to be one of the two or three finest examples of this cuvee. Fresh, with bright acids, a dense opaque purple color, and notes of graphite, blueberries, black currants, smoke, and charcoal, this full-bodied, intense, textured, rich 2009 is a blend of 85% Merlot and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Amazingly, it achieved 14.5% natural alcohol, and should drink well for 15+ years. Faugeres’ brain trust of consultants includes Michel Rolland and Stefan von Neipperg. (Tasted three times.)

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

The 2009 La Fleur de Bouard (made from yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare; 13.5% alcohol) is a Merlot-based wine with brilliant purity, abundant black cherry, plum, and boysenberry fruit, extraordinary density, decent acids, and high tannins. This full-bodied, concentrated, impressively endowed 2009 should age nicely for 10-15 years. At a recent tasting of the 2000 vintage, I was reminded of how great this estate’s luxury cuvee can be. It was off the charts in terms of richness and personality. (Tasted three times.)

Unquestionably a star of Lalande de Pomerol is the 50-acre estate of Hubert and Corinne de Bouard, who produce wines that fly well above their pedigree. Tasting through older vintages proves that these are the “real deal,” as they age quite well. One can even argue that the luxury cuvee, La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard, is one of the top twenty wines being produced in Bordeaux - a remarkable achievement given the appellation’s lack of status.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

The 2009 La Fleur Morange Mathilde is bottled early in order to emphasize the fruit character of the vineyard. With 14.5% alcohol, it is an exuberant, pure, hedonistic pleasure bomb filled with fruit and glycerin. Medium to full-bodied with no hard edges, it was fashioned from 100% Merlot from 50+-year old vines. (Tasted once.)

The brilliant Narbonne-based oenologist Claude Gros is the force behind these two fascinating offerings from St.-Emilion. 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

From yields of 27 hectoliters per hectare, the fruit for the uber-concentrated 2009 Fombrauge was harvested between October 6 and 22, very late in 2009, thus the super ripeness, concentration, and density. Notes of truffles, graphite, blackberries, and blueberries jump from the glass of this full-bodied, unctuously textured, thick, juicy St.-Emilion. The abundant tannin is largely concealed by the extravagant fruit and richness. The final blend is approximately 3/4 Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It should drink well in 3-4 years, and last for 15-20. (Tasted three times.) 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

Made by Ausone’s proprietor, Alain Vauthier, this attractive, round, pretty wine is soft and generous, with loads of blueberry and raspberry fruit as well as hints of incense and crushed rock. It should drink well for a decade or more. (Tasted once.) 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes

The 2009 Fontenil (95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) displays a deep opaque purple color as well as notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, blueberries, and a hint of blackberries. Rich and full-bodied with admirable definition and precision, sweet tannin, and a long finish of over 35 seconds, it is a super effort as well as a big time sleeper of the vintage in 2009. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years. (Tasted once.)
These appear to be the finest wines the brilliant oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland have produced at Fontenil, their home estate.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

This over-achieving sleeper of the vintage boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as plenty of black cherry, asphalt, and earth notes in its dense, packed and stacked personality. Lots of glycerin, heady alcohol, and a long, supple finish suggest it will drink nicely for 6-8 years. (Tasted once.)  

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

Probably the best effort this estate has produced to date, this very voluptuously textured, soft, silky, full-bodied wine displays oodles of red and black fruits intermixed with licorice, underbrush, and foresty notes. It is dense, hedonistic, and certainly the best I have ever tasted from Franc Mayne. Moreover, an advantage will be its early drinkability, although it is certainly capable of lasting 15 or more years. (Tasted two times.) 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188)

  Wine notes