In Bond Fine Wine. 2009 Clos St Martin, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Grand Cru • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (RP). Drinking window: 2020–2040. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Neal Martin (NM) — 92/100 · Vinous, 2020-04-01 · Drink 2020-2040
The 2009 Clos Saint-Martin is deep in color and currently shows little signs of aging. The bouquet is very fine: pure and well defined, with ample brambly black fruit mixed with briar and wild hedgerow aromas. Aeration reveals background traits of camphor and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. The Cabernet Franc component is expressive and lends a conspicuous savory,…
Robert Parker (RP) — 92–94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/04/2010 · Drink 2015
This doesn't seem to me as powerful, concentrated, or striking as their 2000, 2005, or even for that matter, their 1998. However, this blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon tips the scale at 14% alcohol, which is an all-time record. The wine displays an almost crushed liqueur minerality intermixed with kirsch and black currant in a full-bodied, ethereal style that pe…
James Suckling (JS) — 89–92/100 · Wine Spectator, 01/04/2010
Green coffee bean, berry and fresh herbs on the nose. Full and chewy, with tobacco and berry character. A little overextracted, but should come around nicely with barrel age.