Château Marquis de Terme, Margaux (Bordeaux, France) 2009

The much-heralded 2009 vintage in Bordeaux produced ripe and rich wines because of virtually perfect weather throughout the growing season. They are a great contrast to the more racy and structured 2010s. Both are considered equally great vintages. Your preference will likely depend on whether you prefer riper and fleshier wines (2009) or tauter ones (2010). Château Marquis de Terme brought in a new team in 2009 and the improvement in the wines is immediately apparent. The new winemaker, Ludovic David, is an advocate of a later harvest to enhance ripeness and eliminate vegetal notes. The 2009 is rich, ripe and dense, yet retains brilliant acidity and freshness that David attributes to the “acidic terroir” and inclusion of a dollop of Petit Verdot, a grape known for its acidity. The plushness of Margaux in evident in this gorgeous young wine and indeed, allows those without a cellar to enjoy it now for its exuberance. Like their 2010, the 2009 Marquis de Terme is an excellent buy in today’s market.