The Iron Chevsky Wine Blog

I wish I could say - "If there ever was a time to get into red Burgundy, it's the 2009 vintage" - it's one of those rare vintages that I believe will appeal to both old world and new world wine lovers. It has the fruit, the approachability, and the richness that California wine lovers seek, but the coolness (13-13.5% alc), acid, and nuance that old world palates demand. The only wrinkle - it's as expensive as ever. Even though entry-level bottlings can be had for $20, wines of any stature require at least $40-50, and up. Way up! All that said, every wine penny I have saved, I am tempted to put into the 2009 red Burgs. Last vintage this good was 2005, and I wish I had bought more. Delicious now, and I bet these 2009's will improve with time and be more amazing later. But wait! I hear the 2010 is even better (but more "classic"?, i.e. not as rich). So I have to save some $$ for that too. Oh, the dilemma! Also, look for great deals on the 2008's

I had an opportunity to taste some 2008 Bordeaux this weekend. A year ago, they were inpenetrable, unenjoyable, and hard for me to judge. Here is what I wrote then : ...generally I didn't enjoy any of the 2008's. Very tight and ungiving, many with greenish character, tons of smoky wood and soapy spice, dark black fruits, extremely tannic and masculine at this point. I will come back to them in a year or two for further judgment. Now, a year later, after tasting this weekend, I am starting to become enthusiastic about this vintage, especially because there are great deals to be had, while the glorified 2009 and 2010 vintages are taking up the majority of critics' and consumers' attention. While retailers are dumping the 2008's at half the price of the next two vintages, I recommend you take a closer look. They are starting to open up, and reveal classical and balanced profiles of Bordeaux, at relatively low alcohol (13.5% range), and good aging potential, perhaps