Northern Rhône 2009 Vintage Report in Decanter's April 2011 issue
In the Northern Rhône 2009 Vintage Report in Decanter's April 2011 issue, John Livingstone-Learmonth picks the following Vine Trail wines -
5 stars
Hermitage, Bernard Faurie (rated 18.5)
Ripely curved bouquet. Solid palate, more fine than robust, with grip and lithe notes. (Drink 2014-2027).
Côte Rôtie Benjamin & David Duclaux, Maison Rouge (rated 18.5)
Tight ripe fruit, oaked nose. Refined side to the depth, elegant potential, blueberry fruit. Long, promising. (Drink 2014-2027)
Côte Rôtie, Domaine Clusel Roch, La Viaillière (rated 19.5/20)
Impressive purity of aroma: bacon, coal dust. Delightful, genuine fruit, good manners. Top Burgundian elegance. (Drink 2015-2026).
Côte Rôtie, Domaine Clusel Roch, Les Grandes Places (rated 19)
Substantial nose, full and lucid. Finesse on the palate: velvet-textured fruit and fresh tannins; complex and pure. (Drink 2016-2029).
Domaine Garon, Les Rochains (rated 18.5)
A twinkle of classy promise on the nose. Northern zone crispness and good fruit length. Will show terroir once the oak is absorbed. (Drink 2015-2027).
4 stars
Cornas, Domaine E & J Durand, Empreintes (rated 18)
Cracking life on nose; brisk and ripe. Polished finesse on palate, running juiciness. Excellent modern Cornas. (Drink 2012-2023).