This fat, fleshy, dense purple-colored 2009 exhibits abundant notes of creme de cassis, roasted espresso, chocolate, berry fruit and underling hints of high quality, unsmoked cigar tobacco. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a touch of Carmenere, it reveals plenty of structure and tannin, but the evolved aromatics offer a deceptive view that the wine will be drinkable early on. I do not think this is the case as the tannins kick in once it hits the palate. This seriously endowed, powerful, boisterous, muscular Pauillac should hit its prime between 2017 and 2035.

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Clerc Milon gives up notes of blueberry compote, blackcurrant preserves and prunes with hints of fried herbs, fertile loam and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, firm and taut with a grainy texture and seamless freshness, it has a good core of earth-laced black fruit and an understated finish.

This wine shows aromas of licorice, raspberries and tar. Full body and very silky with dense tannins, yet the bright fruits soften the wine. So delicious and refined. Gorgeous now, but much better in 2018.

Purple red, fine briary blackcurrant fruit, lots of earthy energy and an herbaceous lift to the naturally sweet density of fruit.

With a ruby hue, the Asian spice, smoke, spice and cigar box aromas are easily found. Silky, soft and polished, there is a sense of refinement in the fruit along with a slight chocolate sensation. The fresh, ripe character of the fruit in the finish make this a vintage for early drinking, or one that consumers can age. 2009 was the first vintage for the new director, Jean Emmanuel Danjoy.

Garnet-red. Nose of red fruits with a creamy, vanilla then menthol-like note. On the palate, lovely red fruit, refined texture and medium body. Good length. Oaked finish.