En-Primeur 2009

Weather condition: It may defy belief but Bordeaux has enjoyed a decade with no off vintages. 2009 joints 2000, 2003 and 2005 as a vintage which produced outstanding wines and the quality seems to be superior to all three. A cold winter with plenty of rain allowed water levels in the vineyard to build up in time for the budding and flowering to take place. As the year went on the vineyeards gradually dried out and the summer and autumn, crucial to the ripening of the grapes, were characterised by persistent but never excessive heat. Temperatures and hours of sunshine were above average and the vintage is already being compared to classics such as 1982 and 1947.

Characteristics: The 2009s are generally high in alcohol by Bordeaux standards but the levels of tannin and acidity have the effect of keeping the wines in balance. Advances in winemaking know-how and tachnology mean that the high sugar levels have fermented out, avoiding any excessive sweetness.

Buying Strategy: This vintage sees no change to our usual policy of concentrating only on the top wines. This is a classic vintage with good tannins and very little green character, lovely fruit and good balance. These are well structured wines that will develop well in the long term. With the aggressive pricing we are seeing this year from the chateaux there are some good buys for claret lovers who are committed to the long term.

Bottling: Prices are standard 750ml bottles. Wines can be bottled in half bottles, magnums or other formats for an additional charge. Please provide special bottling instructions before 31 August 2010.

Storage: there will be storage charge if we do not receive any shipping instruction before 30 Nov 2011 in the year follow purchase. The charge will be HKD $180 per annum per case or per large format bottle. Cellerage invoices will be raised on 1 January 2012. If you wish to collect your wine early, we will refund with the remaining full month(s) storage fee on a pro-rate basis.

Shipping Cost: $180 per case + Insurance (1.5% cost of wine). Please instruct us in advance for special shipping arrangements.

Offer: Please note that the following wine are offered ex-cellars Bordeaux. Minimum order is 1 case of 12 bottles (750ml) for each wine. If you need special bottling, please let us know at the time of order. They will be available for delivery in Spring/Summer 2012. Payment upon receive of invoice.

Please email us at info@fairmonthk.com for a soft copy of our En-Primeur 2009 Latest Release.