The 2009 Clarets

Think of a much more pliant version of 2005 with suaver and more harmonious tannins; a considerably fresher version of 2003; wines every bit as good as the 1990s, if not finer.  The best 2009s are uncommonly ripe and rich without heaviness; compared to the watershed 1982s, to which they are similar in their fleshy appeal and sweetness of fruit, they were made from lower crop levels and under more modern conditions.  Even wines that are normally green and austere boast extra texture and seductive appeal in 2009. 

The growing season and harvest of 2009.  I have paraphrased below Ian D’Agata’s original report on the growing season published in Issue 151: 

The 2009 season was preceded by the fifth coldest winter of the last 20 years, but ultimately January and April were the only two months of the year with significantly above-average rainfall.  March was very dry and sunny, while May brought a series of hail storms, which caused significant damage in some areas.  A very sunny June then allowed for a quick and even flowering.  July recorded an average number of sunlight hours for that month, while temperatures were a hair warmer and rainfall slightly lower than long-term averages.