2009 Château Balestard-La-Tonnelle

Ruby-purple. Flamboyant aromas of blackcurrant, black pepper, cedar and graphite. Then sweet and glyceral in the mouth, with captivating flavors of ripe strawberry-rhubarb and blueberr y syrup. A very creamy and smooth wine, perhaps a bit soft in the mid-palate, but finishing with strong, ripe tannins. This is noticeably less dry on the palate than many other 2009 Saint-Emilions, and though it could use a bit more depth and complexity, it will likely make for delicious early drinking.

Author: Ian D'Agata

Issue: May/June 2010

Very dark. Simple, fully mature black fruit on the nose. Very sweet and a bit formless. Not enough refreshment. Too much kirsch. Awfully drying finish. Dramatic though!

Author: Jancis Robinson