2009 Bordeaux:The Inside Scoop

Could 2009 be the greatest vintage in Bordeaux's history? After spending two weeks in the area during harvest picking grapes and working all aspects of the winemaking process, we have to say that what we saw was simply incredible! Many Chateau owners told us point-blank that the quality was equal to or better than the 1982, 2000 & 2005 vintages. Bordeaux Negociant and wine expert Jeffrey Davies of Signature Selections, having just tasted the wines of Jean Philippe Janoueix (La Croix St. Georges/La Confession) a couple days ago, commented that, "2009 has the sexy fruit of 2000 with the structure of 2005". Sounds more than promising.

But the question remains, with the current shake-up in the distribution of Bordeaux throughout the United States (the largest east and west coast suppliers not buying and certain 'box stores' not participating) who is going to supply the Bordeaux consumer in this significant vintage?

Since 1982, Wine Exchange has been one of the market leaders for Bordeaux futures. We've always had great prices, and our track record for delivery is unsurpassed. But we still felt we could take things to another level. So, after tasting the excellent 2008 Bordeaux and knowing that the American distribution scenario for Bordeaux wines was in tatters, we made the decision to import our Bordeaux direct. Being more hands-on during the process saves everyone more money, takes another link out of the supply chain and puts us closer to the wine you've purchased. Cutting out the middle man also means you, the customer, will pay close to the same price that the previous importers/distributors would have charged us! We've spent the last several years gathering excellent allocations of the top Classified Growths (though the most in-demand wines will always be a struggle), Cru Bourgeois & Petits Chateaux. We're also working directly with many chateaux to increase certain allocations if the need were to arise. In addition, through our logistics network (one of the largest in the US) we have containers leaving Europe at least twice a month, thus insuring quick delivery once the wines are released.

The anticipated start of the campaign is early April, 2010 and it will probably run through July 1, 2010. That means we are already in the planning stages and will be heading to Bordeaux to taste hundreds of wines and, hoping there will be enough hours in the day, report our results as we taste them. In the meantime, to answer the big question, we have no idea where pricing will be. With the global economy still not recovered from the largest recession since the 30’s, one would think that prices will remain aggressive. But there's no way to anticipate or predict that will happen. As with previous campaigns prior to 2008, most classified estates will wait until the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate come out with their reviews in late April.

So think of this message as a "heads up" for you to consider your plan. As with all previous campaigns, the best pricing is always in the beginning so by getting in touch with us and letting us know your intentions, we can secure the wine and lock you in to the best price.

We've also included with permission the infamous "Blatch Report" Click Here. An in-depth overview of the vintage, and a benchmark that industry professionals have followed for many years. Thanks Bill !

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