2009 Chateau Meyney, Saint-Estephe

I clearly underrated this wine from barrel. The finest wine made at this estate since 1982, this opaque black wine is a sleeper of the vintage, with oodles of blackberry fruit interwoven with hints of charcoal, forest floor, licorice and damp earth. Deep, rich, chewy, full-bodied and opulent, this is a fabulous Meyney that, because of its low acidity and very ripe tannin, can be drunk in 3-4 years or cellared for two decades. Bravo!

Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Well behaved, classic maturing claret. Bone dry but not too drying on the finish. Not showy but beautifully balanced. (JR)

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot. 42.01 hl/ha. Harvested 21 September to 10 October. Deep crimson-black hue. Ripe and bold with a generous quantity of lush, dark fruit. Cassis, blueberry and menthol notes. Palate dense and firm with plentiful but integrated tannins. Bit of warmth on the finish. Lots to enjoy now but still plenty in the tank. (JL)