2009 Clos Vougeot

The 2009 Clos Vougeot blossoms on the palate with a dark, seamless expression of fruit that saturates the palate. This shows remarkable energy and focus, with a long, inviting finish that echoes the intensity of fruit. This is a very finessed, understated and complete Clos Vougeot. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034. Etienne de Montille began harvesting on September 5 in 2009 in order to maintain as much freshness as possible. Natural alcohols came in between 12.7% and 13.2% slightly higher than the range de Montille prefers. My sense is that some of the entry-level 2009s could have used a touch more density, but the higher end wines are quite successful across the board. The 2009s were aged on their lees and were not racked until they were prepared for bottling, which began in September 2010, the first time de Montille had bottled 1er Crus before the following harvest. I tasted most of the 2009s from tank, where they were settling before bottling. De Montille did not plan to fine or filter any of the wines in tank. Readers will find additional notes on the estate’s 2008s on www.erobertparker.com. Various American Importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808

Good full, bright red. Expressive, very ripe aromas of raspberry, red cherry, licorice and flowers. Broad, ripe and fine-grained, displaying a restrained mid-palate sweetness and very good energy. Finishes classically dry and long, with chocolatey tannins and a saline element. De Montille notes that the 2008 was the first vintage for this cuvee that gave him real satisfaction. But this should be even better.