Both 2009 and 2010 were good years for Bordeaux wine—your choice will depend on your personal taste.
The 2009 and 2010 vintages are just two examples of great Bordeaux from a region that has had several excellent years recently. However, this pair of years specifically is known for winning high marks with critics and tantalizing the palates of even the most discerning wine enthusiasts. In the years that immediately followed their production, some predicted that there would be debate for decades over which was the best vintage of the two. That made comparing 2009 vs. 2010 Bordeaux a difficult task at best.
As often happens with the passing of time, the strengths of each of these vintages have grown much clearer over the years. Depending on how you want to build your wine collection, it’s easier now to decide which vintage to invest in. That’s what we’re here to help you do.
Comparing 2009 vs. 2010 Bordeaux
Since environmental conditions are inextricably connected to Bordeaux vintage quality, we have to make a special mention of the weather in 2009 and 2010. Conditions in both years helped shape wines that are spectacular and distinct, though in very different ways.
Bordeaux is already known for warm summers and cold winters, and 2009 did not disappoint. Yet, the seasons shifted into one another gradually that year, which moved ripening along gently. The result? Bordeaux that is consistently rich and simultaneously soft, with intimately layered notes of fruit and relatively low tannins overall. Though still a strong candidate for aging, critics, collectors, and enthusiasts alike were delighted that this vintage could be enjoyed right away.
By contrast, 2010 was a year of swift extremes. An exceptionally hot and dry summer was followed sharply by a cooler-than-usual fall. This resulted in a very different ripening process for the grapes. Marked by high tannins and acidity, 2010 Bordeaux is typically bold, charismatic, and full of texture. Early on, before these wines had time to mellow slightly with age, they were described as incredibly intense, and, therefore, ideal for laying down.
Any decision between the 2009 and 2010 vintages will come down to your own preferences for one flavor profile over another.
Now that several years have passed, both of these vintages have come into their own. The 2009 vintage has become bolder in flavor while staying impressively rounded. The fierce and flavorful depth of 2010 Bordeaux has remained intact while its accessibility has grown thanks to softening tannins. Both are delicious now and offer many more years of aging—and earning—potential. Any decision between the 2009 and 2010 vintages will come down to your own preferences for one flavor profile over another. If you prefer wines with lower tannin content and a rounded fruit flavor, 2009 might be the year for you. If you love big tannins with striking layers, give 2010 a try.
It’s also a good idea to keep in mind the contrast between Bordeaux from the Left Bank versus the Right Bank. These flavor differences—in addition to the year—can further guide your decision about which wine to buy. Left Bank Bordeaux wines tend to be acidic and high in tannins, which can make for a challenging experience on the palate until the wine has matured. Right Bank Bordeaux, on the other hand, is generally more approachable in its youth. Though still rich in flavor, fruit-forward notes and softer tannins make drinking young Right Bank wines a smoother experience.
The Best Bordeaux from a Great Pair of Years
Below is a list of some of the highest-ranked Bordeaux from the 2009 and 2010 vintages, along with the highest score achieved by each vintage. Note that though first-growth Bordeaux wine from the Left Bank often gets the very best scores from critics, many Super Seconds and Right Bank Bordeaux also deservedly made our list. Several estates produced exceptionally delicious and exquisite reds in both years, too, should you like to get one of each to experience firsthand the difference in taste.
Left Bank Bordeaux:
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, James Suckling
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, James Suckling
Score: 100 points, James Suckling
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 98 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 97 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 98 points, Wine Advocate
Right Bank Bordeaux:
Score: 99 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 98 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 96 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 98 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 98 points, James Suckling
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 97 points, James Suckling
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, Wine Advocate
Score: 100 points, James Suckling
Score: 100 points, James Suckling
Since investing in Bordeaux isn’t just about whether it’s possible to realize future profits, make sure your portfolio contains a mix of wines you’d like to drink as well as ones for resale. And whether you’re an avid investor or a beginning collector, treat yourself to vintages that you can experience now, in addition to those that will benefit from further aging. What’s really special about 2009 and 2010 Bordeaux is that you can accomplish each of these goals with wines from this pair of great years.
Where to Invest in Bordeaux and How to Protect It
Where you buy your Bordeaux and how you store it are arguably as important as choosing the right vintage. Authenticating wine you intend to purchase as an investment requires extensive knowledge and savvy, unless you use a professional marketplace that’s already trusted by producers and collectors. This provides the added benefit of connecting you with the right buyers when it’s time to sell your wine.
When your portfolio includes top-quality 2009 or 2010 Bordeaux, protecting those investments is vitally important.
The best way to protect your investment is to use professional wine storage that keeps cellaring conditions tightly controlled. These facilities generally offer 24/7 security and insurance against bottle breakage and theft, too. When your portfolio includes top-quality 2009 or 2010 Bordeaux, protecting those investments is vitally important—don’t put these special vintages at risk.
Whether you are starting your high-end wine collection or adding to an established portfolio, Vinfolio is your partner in buying, selling, and professional storage. Contact us today to get access to the world’s finest wine.
