The 2009 Larrivet Haut-Brion has been uncorked....

[JimHow]

I think it was Robert Goulet who had this wine from another vintage recently, so I thought I'd give this a try.

This seems to have a nice seamlessness to it. Beautiful, distinctive nose, pure, ruby/purple color. yum!

[RDD]

Baby killer!

[manton]

Yeah, I have to say, there are a lot 2009s being popped lately. Personally, I have not opened a single one yet.

What gives?

[JimHow]

I'm not sure why everyone is so surprised. I do this every year. I drink one bottle in the name of science, as a sacrifice for you guys, and also to decide whether I want to buy more.

I bought a case of Giscours after drinking one bottle, and I will surely buy more 2009 Larrivet Haut-Brion!

[manton]

All right, since it's for science and for us, carry on.

[Houndsong]

I have a few 09s in a holding pattern until they get clearance to land at Honolulu Int'l Airport. I'll be pulling corks when they do.

I feel lonesome without my wines. I wonder if they miss me?

While it's nice to have stacks of wines to lean on in the cellar, there's a special thrill comes with pulling corks on new purchases right off the truck (or a day or two later as is more often the case). ITNOS!

[manton]

I can do that with Burg or very cheap Bord, but good Bord I typically don't like until it is at least 10 y/o.

[JimHow]

Indeed, manton and Hound. We are all in this together!

By the way, this Larrivet Haut-Brion is very lovely. I think this is the first time I've had this wine, from any vintage. It seems to combine the best of traditional wine making with the strengths that modern styles have to offer.

Getting ready to drink this with a filet mignon, but initially it seems like a very lovely 15 year wine.

[manton]

BTW, I am drinking a 2007 that I got for $5.99. It's worth at least $8.99.

[JimHow]

Well done! very well done indeed. This wine is overpriced at the $45 I paid in NH this afternoon, but I'll order a case from PJs at $30.

[Houndsong]

I'm lucky. I like my Bordeaux young, old and middle aged. Just not closed. I like them cheap, expensive and mid-priced. Just not overpriced. I like them crunchy and crystalline, dry and savory, and rich, plush and fat. Just not blowzy. Anyway, I'm a lucky guy.

[robertgoulet]

Goulet here...'08 larrivet rocks..better than the lovely '05

Bought more immediately at $32 and will be buying more

[JimHow]

You are indeed a lucky man, Hound. And we are lucky to have you on Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts!

Damn... I'm feeling so "forward" thinking tonight, I don't know why....



well done, Robert, I'm buying a 6 pack of the 09, i think it's $31 at PJ in Manhattan.

[Houndsong]

I am lucky. I could be so unlucky as to be Donald Trump. Why is he so angry? By his own admission he is probably the most successful person the world has ever known. What could make the world's most successful person feel so unfulfilled?

[manton]

No politics in wine threads!

But anyway, the Donald does not strike me as angry, he seems to be having a hell of a time. I think he knows he is 75% full of shit.

[JimHow]

Yes, $30.97 at PJs, I'll buy 6 for consumption over the next 15 years.
This is a pleasant, 14% alcohol wine, a combination of traditional and modern.
Don't expect this wine to be long-lived.
Classy, you get the feeling they paid attention to every grape. Smooth, seamless.
I remember uncorking a Malartic Lagraviere in Boston a few years back, we had a bunch of BWEers there, it was the night we drank 1996 Cos out of a coffee pot. I remember asking SF Ed, what do you think about this Malartic Lagraviere? Eh, he said, its okay, but "modern," not true to the appellation. (Paraphrasing.) I feel a little that way about this wine. Seems maybe a touch high in alcohol to me. Still, I like it. I won't buy 12 bottles, but I'll buy six at $30.97....
I'm glad I bought and uncorked this bottle, this is a classic example of why I do this!
90 points.


Donald Trump, Hound, is unhinged. And I'm not even being BWE hyperbole about this. He is not even funny anymore. He is like slightly dangerous, I'm sure there is a growing secret service file on this dude. Someone needs to have him evaluated, sooner rather than later. I have criminal clients who display symptoms of mental illness much less pronounced than what we are seeing from "The Donald." He needs help. He is going to hurt himself, or somebody else.

[Houndsong]

Yes, I know all that, or assumed it to be true. I guess he would also know best how to further his "brand." Presumably though his brand is not "75% full of shit" or "unhinged." But maybe he's like pro wrestling. That's an enviable franchise in many respects.

[manton]

I think pro wresting is a great analogy. Almost perfect. He should run for the Senate from Connecticut.

[AlexR]

Jim,

The red Larrivet Haut Brion used to be pretty boring, but the estate is pulling itself up by the bootstraps and starting to do good things.
The vineyards are right next door to Haut Bailly. Lovely terroir and lovely château too.

I am amazed at the price you paid for this wine.
How do they manage to sell the stuff cheaper than in the region of production?!

All the best,
Alex R.

[JimHow]

I don't know, Alex, but it's a great deal at $31!