2009 Le Prieure

A very ripe, vanillary, creamy nose where the oak is dominating the fruit at the moment. Blackcurrant, plum and cassis. The palate is full-bodied, good weight with firm tannins, hints of tobacco interlacing the ripe black fruits with a citrus finish. Good definition although it does lack some length. Drink 2012-2020. Tasted March 2010.

Hint of putty on the nose. Very sweet start and then it all peters out a bit. Rather hollow. Chewy end.

The best Le Prieure I have ever tasted, this 2009 is a hedonist’s dream. Huge red and black fruit aromas soar from the glass of this deep ruby/purple-tinged beauty. With velvety tannin, a full-bodied, opulent personality, and a knock-out finish with no hard edges, it is already impossible to resist, so enjoy it over the next decade or more. (Tasted three times.) Apr 2010, www.robertparker.com