The Jancis Robinson Story | Mission Blind Tasting | Wine writing competition

Bordeaux 2009 – St-Julien

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See our guide to Bordeaux 2009 coverage.

It could be argued that St-Julien is becoming rather less of a dependable guiding light in the Médoc landscape, not least thanks to Bruno Borie's exuberance at Ducru-Beaucaillou. Certainly the contrast between the stolid, chunky wines from the Barton stable and the rest seems to become more marked by the year. Gloria and St-Pierre keep on producing the goods though.

The interesting newcomer is the third wine from Las Cases, Le Petit Lion.  Jean-Hubert Delon was another prominent left banker  who rather repudiated his Merlot in 2009.

Pretty dark crimson right out to the rim. Alluring graphite...

Dark crimson with a pale rim. Very light nose with a rather...

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. From the centre of the...

45 hl/ha, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot. IPT (total...

Dark crimson. Meaty and lively on the nose. Very rich and...

Full, rich and explosive on the nose. Very subtle and well...

Dark crimson. Interesting leathery, almost Syrah-like notes...

A little fusty on the nose but great balance and completeness on...

Dark crimson. Purple rim. Very sweet indeed on the nose –...

Very fresh and sappy nose. Sweet start but fresh and zesty...

Mid crimson with quite a pale rim. Pretty light – early picked...

An intense nose with some strange oak note? Sweet, light...

First vintage was 2007. Strange label with a baby lion...

Too much Merlot in here, he says. Very deep crimson. Hint of...

Very deep crimson. Subtle with great depth of fruit and a hint...

Very dark crimson. Very grown-up and intense. Luscious fruit and...

Very deep dark crimson – glossy colour. Aromatic and lifted. A...

Some development at the rim. Light, graphite nose not without...

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