| 98-100 |
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) |
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the more ethereal and compelling efforts of the vintage. The 2009 Hosanna possesses great intensity, extraordinary balance, purity, and density, and a remarkable perfume of licorice, black fruits, spring flowers, incense, and Christmas spices. The wine hits the palate with full-bodied power, displaying silky texture, viscous, opulent mid-palate, high levels of glycerin, and considerable, but well-concealed tannins. In many ways, this is what some of the greatest 1982s tasted like (the tannins were virtually impossible to find at this stage). It should last 25-30 years. Kudos to Christian Moueix! (Tasted once.)It appears Christian Moueix and his team did everything right in 2009. They began harvesting the Merlot in mid-September, stopping when it rained on the 19th, resuming on the 26th, and finishing on October 10th. Yields were a very low 30 hectoliters per hectare or less, and the alcohols came in at 14+% across the board. I have loved every vintage that Moueix has made of Hosanna, which is basically the finest parcel of the vineyard formerly called Certan-Giraud. Drink 2010-2040.Robert Parker added an asterisk to this wine score to signify that it is a wine he considers has the finest potential of all the offerings he has ever tasted from this estate in nearly 32 years of barrel tasting samples in Bordeaux. |
| 90-92+ |
Neal Martin (Wine Advocate) |
Tasted at JP Moueix. The Hosanna 2009 has a ripe, well defined nose with blackberry, coca, a touch of dark chocolate and bay leaf. Quite complex, but forward and generous. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly furry tannins on the entry, well balanced with good weight, a more lactic texture towards the finish that is well defined, but very linear at the moment, quite earthy towards the foursquare finish. This will need 5-6 years after bottling. Tasted April 2010 |
| 93-96 |
James Suckling (Wine Spectator) |
Offers ripe plum, with hints of peach, turning to violet and black olive on the nose. Fascinating aromas. Full-bodied, featuring chewy tannins that turn polished and silky. Long and flavorful at the finish. Refined power. |
| 18/20 |
James Lawther MW (Decanter.com) |
In the same mould as the 2005. Powerful, firm and long ageing with ripe, attractive fruit. Good depth and concentration. Rich, smooth tannic extract. Drink 2020-2040. |
