A notably ripe and wonderfully complex nose offers up notes of raspberry and cherry liqueur before merging seamlessly with seductive, pure and concentrated broad-shouldered flavors that possess unusually refined tannins and an explosive finish. This should provide very satisfactory results in 12 to 15 years. Drink 2021+.
– Burghound.com, Issue 45. Tasted: Jan 2012

Good medium red. Very ripe, even candied aromas of raspberry, cherry, minerals, mocha, licorice and damp earth. Fat, sweet and expressive, with the ripeness of the vintage coming through in the mouth. Virgile Lignier says he finds this wine more complex than the 2010 version; I find it more elegant. Even if it's a bit less nervy than the 2010 it displays good tension for its year.

The 2009 Clos de la Roche is long, powerful and energetic. It shows fabulous balance from start to finish. The red fruit is supported by intense yet beautifully integrated tannins. I especially like the substantial, weighty finish. Sweet dried roses and mint add an air of sensuality to the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.
– Wine Advocate #194, May 2011

Rounded, some bitter flashes, crisp acid, ripe fruit. Pretty austere. Tannins and hard but drinkable, but there’s no lusciousness or allure here. (RH)