Because of both time and space constraints, I am not able to provide tasting notes for the 2009 dry white Bordeaux, but it is an extremely strong vintage. Most châteaux equaled the dazzling quality of the 2007 dry whites. That said, the 2009s tend to be less classic than 2007, but more exotic, honeyed, and higher in alcohol, with compelling richness. The 2009s will probably have a shorter evolutionary curve, but these wines tend to last a long time, even in a vintage such as this. They are fascinating dry white wines.

Purple-ruby. Fragrant aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and minerals. Enters bright and lively, with nicely delineated flavors of black fruits and minerals complicated by a hint of black pepper. This politely styled, impeccably balanced wine shows a rather cool, restrained quality. The smoothly tannic finish offers persistent violet and mineral notes. Due to this wine's typical refinement and understated character, it is often underestimated during the primeurs

Moderately saturated medium red-ruby. Slightly shallow aromas of redcurrant, leather, tobacco and warm stones. A juicy, spicy, pliant midweight; not particularly opulent but fine-grained and easygoing. Some light herbal notes add interest to the berry and leather flavors. Fairly low in acidity but firm tannins call for four or five years of patience.

Tasted at a negociant. Fresh green apple and lime on the nose with some peachy notes becoming more tangible with aeration. Good definition, though very primal of course. The palate is quite pretty with some crisp green apple and lime, although the finish is very linear and lacking complexity. For early drinking. Tasted April 2010.