January 28, 2025
Bordeaux: Legendary vintages of 2009 and 2010
The Bordeaux vintages of 2009 and 2010 are two of the most celebrated in recent history, often mentioned in the same breath as the region’s finest years. These back-to-back successes delivered wines of exceptional quality but with distinct styles that set them apart. They not only showcased the unparalleled terroir of Bordeaux but also demonstrated the skill of its winemakers in crafting wines capable of ageing for decades.
The 2009 Vintage: Opulence and Harmony
The 2009 Bordeaux vintage is often described as a "winemaker's dream." Ideal growing conditions created wines of extraordinary richness and balance, with many producers calling it one of the greatest vintages they had ever experienced.
Growing Conditions
The weather in 2009 was nearly perfect throughout the growing season. A dry, warm summer with plenty of sunshine allowed grapes to ripen fully. Cooler nights helped preserve acidity, ensuring the wines retained their freshness despite the ripe fruit. Rainfall was minimal during the critical periods, and the harvest took place under optimal conditions.
The Wines
The hallmark of the 2009 vintage is its opulent fruit, silky tannins, and immediate approachability. Wines from both the Left and Right Banks exhibit ripe black and red fruit flavours, plush textures, and a hedonistic quality that makes them irresistible even in their youth.
On the Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wines from Pauillac, Margaux, and St. Julien show incredible depth and power. Notable examples include Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, and Chateau Margaux, all of which received near-perfect or perfect scores from critics.
The Right Bank, dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, produced equally remarkable wines. Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau Petrus exemplify the vintage’s lush, velvety character, with layers of complexity and elegance.
The 2010 Vintage: Structure and Power
The 2010 vintage, while equally legendary, offers a stark contrast to the exuberance of 2009. It is defined by its precision, structure, and long-term ageing potential, making it a vintage for the patient collector.
Growing Conditions
The weather in 2010 was also exceptional, but the growing season was cooler and drier compared to 2009. A mild spring was followed by a hot summer with no heat spikes, and a significant diurnal temperature variation contributed to the development of phenolic ripeness and acidity. The result was small, concentrated berries with thick skins and high levels of tannins, acidity, and sugar.
The Wines
Wines from the 2010 vintage are characterised by their firm structure, vibrant acidity, and incredible depth. The tannins are pronounced yet refined, providing the backbone for decades of ageing. Critics often describe 2010 as a "classic" Bordeaux vintage, offering a balance of power and elegance.
Left Bank wines, particularly those from Pauillac and St. Estephe, are marked by their intense concentration and deep, brooding character. Iconic wines such as Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, and Chateau Montrose deliver profound complexity with layers of cassis, graphite, and cedar.
On the Right Bank, the wines exhibit remarkable freshness and purity, with Merlot-driven blends from Chateau Ausone and Chateau Angelus showing incredible energy and finesse.
Comparing the Two Vintages
While both vintages are universally praised, their differences lie in their style and character.
- 2009: Luxurious, approachable, and generous, with wines that deliver immediate pleasure and charm. The vintage is perfect for those who value hedonistic wines with ripe fruit and plush textures.
- 2010: Structured, precise, and built for longevity, offering wines with incredible depth and complexity. The vintage appeals to those who appreciate classic Bordeaux with firm tannins and a sense of austerity in its youth.
Both vintages performed exceptionally across all Bordeaux appellations, but individual preferences will determine which resonates more with collectors and drinkers.
Legacy and Market Impact
The 2009 and 2010 vintages have had a profound impact on the Bordeaux market, with many wines achieving record-breaking prices at auctions. Their reputation for quality and ageing potential has made them staples in fine wine collections around the world.
Critics like Robert Parker have awarded numerous perfect scores to wines from both years, further solidifying their status as benchmarks for Bordeaux excellence. As these wines continue to evolve in the bottle, they remain a testament to the region's ability to produce world-class wines that captivate wine lovers for generations.