Chateau Valade, St Emilion, 2009

As we have stated in our vintage overview, this is not the most homogenous vintage, particularly for many of the less expensive wines. However, if you look closely, (and we did at literally hundreds), you can discover some great value wines for short to medium term drinking. This is only the third vintage from this estate and it is already a firm favourite with us. There are only 4000 bottles of the wonderful 2009, produced from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This is an utterly seductive and very impressive definition of St Emilion. There is a bouquet of deep unbridled cassis, griotte cherries, damsons, spice box, cut flowers as well as notes of complex minerals. The palate is packed with pure, luxurious black fruits and is beautifully balanced with bright acidity and ripe, grippy tannins. A sensational must-buy St Emilion.