2009 Chateau Bernadotte

Robust Haut Medoc. A sleeper of the vintage !
The Roederer Champagne house retained Chateau Bernadotte up until 2012 as a first tier in their Bordeaux range, the top tier being Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, which now sells for around $400. In both instances, Roederer bought two perfectly functional estates. Bernadotte's previous owner, Bordeaux "Grande Dame" May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, (who purchased the property for its proximity to Pauillac in 1997) instigated a full survey and renovation of the vineyards, subsequently matching each of the sub-terroirs of the property with the most suitable varietals.The result is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot, 5 % Cabernet Franc and 3 % Petit Verdot, making for a robust Haut-Medoc, which was declared a "sleeper of the 2009 vintage" by the eminent critic Robert Parker.

Totally opaque black dark crimson red colour with deep very dark red hue. The nose displays a lifted aromatic profile of blackcurrant intermixed with violets followed by some cedar, cigar box and spice. Medium to full bodied the palate delivers perfectly ripened blackcurrant flavours along with some dark mulberry, cedar, a hint of earth and spice. Dryish but fine grained tannins lend excellent support and provide balance. Long ripe blackcurrant, earthy cedar and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-8 years (2018-2021).
Alc 13.5%

Other Reviews….
The finest La Bernadotte made to date, this 2009 is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage. Composed of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, it reveals a dense purple color along with a big, sweet kiss of black cherries, black currants, charcoal, and spice. With layers of fruit, decent acidity, freshness, and precision, and an opulent, fleshy, succulent style, it should drink easily for a decade or more. (Tasted once) Drink: 2010 - 2020 .
Score: 90-92
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate # 188 Apr 2010

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