Vintage Report

The Growing Season

2009 has already been heralded across most of France as a fabulous growing season and the story is in truth no different in Chablis. After a harsh, cold winter with temperatures and rainfall well below the average, April was warm and wet, replenishing water tables and setting up the vines well for the appearance of first buds. May continued warm with good conditions for even flowering with the steady pattern continuing in June. July was unsettled with storms and showers but crucially no hail and by the time the fine, dry and hot weather set in during August and into September, banishing the threat of rot, a fine, healthy crop was as good as guaranteed.

The Harvest

With the decision of harvest date entirely in the hands of the growers, most were anxious to get going, with activity typically starting in the more precocious sites on 12th September. A good size crop was brought in with sorting tables barely needed. Potential alcohols in the 12-13% natural range were noted and only in a few of the most sheltered, northerly exposed sites did fruit struggle to ripen fully. Vendors of sugar had a poor season of sales.

The Wines

From our early tastings in June/July 2010, we immediately noted the attractiveness of the fruit and the forward, accessible style. The most successful growers have harnessed this more friendly aspect of the vintage but have not lost the essential mineral austerity of classic Chablis either and the ability to trace the wine back to the individual vineyard sites. There is certainly less malic acid than in the 2008s and that allows for the more generous feel and most growers counsel consumers to approach 2009s before 2008s and in many cases 2007s also, should you have been able to resist them! However, there is power in 2009 as there was in 2005 or 1990 and the best examples will certainly last for 10 years or more, depending on your tastes. All in all, this is a lovely vintage with widespread appeal.

The Market

Chablis continues to succeed at the upper échelons with top growers finding no difficulty in selling their wines to a thirsty world audience, many of whom have cottoned on to the excellent value and unique style that the region provides. At the bulk end, the market is still depressed and where negociants and growers choose to go head to head with mass market wines with global marketing budgets behind them, they generally fare badly. For this offer, we are looking at hand-made wines from top growers, working in some of the region's most celebrated vineyards where availability is of each cuvée for a global market rarely exceeds a few hundred cases. With the reputation of the vintage already assured, we advise you to act quickly to secure your preferred selection.

Terms & Conditions

Prices - All prices are quoted In Bond (excluding Duty & VAT) and are per case of 12 bottles unless otherwise stated.

Delivery - The majority of the wines offered will not be here until February 2011. On arrival, we can either:

Nick Palmer goes to Burgundy