On 13th October 2009 we wrote a report titled ‘Bordeaux 2009 - Just Maybe…’. In it we suggested, from the evidence we had seen while in Bordeaux during the harvest, that the 2009 vintage might be very exciting. Our view was governed by the fact that the fruit going into the presses looked beautiful, and working on the theory that good raw materials are a pre-requisite for a good product, we felt that had been achieved. In fact, we discussed the fruit as ‘nigh-on perfect’. So Phase One for the vintage, the work in the vineyard, had been a great success.

So, for Phase Two to be a success, the wine-makers needed to work their magic. A number, including Alfred Tesseron at Pontet-Canet and Xavier David-Beaulieu at Coutet in Saint Emilion, were incredibly excited about what they had to work with, and felt they could make something special. Initial tastings are suggesting they were right. Bill Blatch, who runs Bordeaux négociant Vintex and who is widely regarded as the person who carries out the most detailed research on every vintage, has written his 2009 report and is very upbeat. For the full report, go to http://www.calvertwoodley.com/files/calvertwoodley/2009-vintage-report.pdf. A simple summary - he feels this is the most concentrated vintage of the decade. He likens the vintage to 1970 and 1982. How wonderful for us all!

Initial tastings out in Bordeaux suggest something special is afoot. Our team will be out for the Unions des Grands Crus tastings at the end of March, so thereafter we will have a definitive view on the vintage. But so far we note these are big, powerful, rich, wines with ripe, structured tannins which will allow for excellent ageing. Alcohol levels are a little higher than average. Is this an issue? No, not if the wine-makers manage the process properly and they now (rather than in 1970 & 1982) have all the necessary technology in place. Merlot grapes have a higher alcohol content than Cabernet Sauvignon, which suggests the alcohol levels on the Left Bank will be lower than the Right Bank, but so what? Tannin levels are also high (hence excellent ageing) but their texture is silky and ripe, and the impact of new oak was hardly noticeable.

So in the midst of a grey, cold February, with the news being somewhat glum, we believe the Wine Trade can offer a ray of sunshine, which we are becoming more and more confident will burst into a fully blown sunny day!

As for pricing, it is too early to say. Last year, the Bordelais released early and initially lowered pricing as there were concerns about the vintage (until Robert Parker waxed lyrical about the wines and prices miraculously rose – we still believe he over-egged the pudding). This year we expect the release to happen ‘as usual’ with wines being released from May onwards, with the First Growths coming in June. On the pricing front, it will be higher. Demand from Asia grows and they are beginning to get to grips with the whole En Primeur process. Perhaps £3,500 per case for the Firsts – an initial guesstimate? This will be a year to buy the top wines, regardless of price. Every initial indication suggests this is a vintage where values will rise. Of course, First Growths are held onto by wine merchants, giving them to ‘favoured’ customers who regularly buy. We hope through our membership of the London International Vintners Exchange (Liv-Ex) we will be able to offer these wines to a slightly wider audience. In the first week of the release of Lafite-Rothschild 2008, 74 cases traded on the Exchange, all for £2,000 or less. Today merchants are selling the same wine for £4,900. During the same period, 27 cases of Mouton-Rothschild traded, as did 27 cases of Latour, 34 cases of Margaux and 8 cases of Haut-Brion.

Our point is we will be able to offer a stock of First Growths for those interested through LivEx and our existing strong relationships with négociants. For us, the more we know in terms of what our customers are looking for, the more reactive we will be able to be in the market place.

In conclusion: the sooner we know what 2009 Claret you are thinking of buying, the sooner we can be prepared to act on your behalf. Please do get in touch and let us know your interest.