The Class of 2009 – Peter OG-W
2009 was an extraordinary year: I left university with a degree; an Iraqi man became a hero by throwing his shoes at George W Bush, Bordeaux was having the vintage of the century and Lea and Sandeman opened its newest shop to the lovely people of Chiswick.
To celebrate the Five Year Anniversary of the latter two points, a private tasting was held in the shop. English Sparkling, white, red and port all from that glorious vintage were show cased in what was an eagerly anticipated event.
The line-up did not disappoint and although virtually everything from the list was enjoyed, there were some show stoppers:
2009 GUSBOURNE Brut Reserve Brut
‘77% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier. Richly autolytic nose, sweet dough, baked apple – very traditional, and convincing. Really fine balance and lengthy finish. A classic. 17 Richard Hemming – www.JancisRobinson.com’
75cl bottles £27.95 Case price £25.95 – Buy here
2009 GRASBERG Domaine Marcel Deiss
‘Pungent marjoram and black pepper, bacon fat and rose petal in the nose really project the Gewurz- and red Traminer elements in Deiss’s 2009 Grasberg. An oiliness of texture and saliva-inducing salinity help to moderate the tendency toward severity in this 2009, which certainly cannot be faulted for lack of memorable personality or palate persistence. I can imagine this still forcefully asserting itself 15 years from now, but I would not cellar any without periodic monitoring of its interim evolution. 90/100 David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2011)’
75cl bottles £35.50 Case price £31.95 – Buy here
2009 CHÂTEAU D’AURILHAC Cru Bourgeois Médoc
‘Long-time readers know d’Aurilhac is one of my favorite under-the-radar Bordeaux in top vintages. This impressively made Medoc offers a lot of quality for its price. The 2009 reveals copious black cherry, black currant, earth, and spice notes intertwined with a hint of background oak. A luscious texture, a succulent style, and a juicy, long finish suggest it will drink well for 5-7 years. 87 – 89/100 The Wine Advocate, www.eRobertParker.com’
75cl bottles £17.95 Case price £16.75 – Buy here
2009 BAROLO Andrea Oberto
‘The 2009 Barolo is rich, round, succulent and beautifully balanced. Hints of cinnamon, cloves, red berries and crushed flowers wrap around the palate as this juicy, expressive Barolo opens up in the glass. The balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is terrific. This is everything an entry-level Barolo should be; expressive, delicious and ready to go. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. The Barolo is made from three parcels in La Morra. 2013-2019 90 Antonio Galloni, www.vinousmedia.com’
75cl bottles £28.50 Case price £25.75 – Buy here (also in Magnums)
2009 PALEO Rosso Le Macchiole
‘The 2009 Paleo Rosso (Cabernet Franc) resonates on the palate with notable warmth and richness. Espresso, mocha, dark cherries and plums come to life in this gorgeous, sexy red. The 2009 possesses marvellous length and intensity all the way through to the silky, medium-bodied finish. Today the 2009 impresses for its overt fruit, but varietal notes are much more elusive as the wine is very, very tight. 2014-2024 93/100 Antonio Galloni, www.vinousmedia.com’
75cl bottles £55.75 Case price £49.95 – Buy here
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Judging by how empty the spittoons were at the end of the night, we can quite safely consider this event a success. A toast to the class of 2009!
– You can see the full wine list here –
Peter Ogilvy-Wedderburn