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Tasting the 2009 vintage at Domaine Baudry reminds me of the 1989's. Although the vintage 2009 isn't better than 89, in my opinion, the Baudry's have progressed in their vineyard work and winemaking and are now the top estate in Chinon. This first red of 2009 has deep red purple color and is is bursting with strawberry and red currant fruit. There is good acidity and the alcohol level is moderate at 12.3%, making this a refreshing and delicious wine for summer cook-outs, or all year long. Congratulations to the Baudrys, who are now in conversion for organic certification, for this yummy wine, really "super-bon!"

The grapes for this beautiful wine come from 35 year-old vines on both gravel and clay/limestone soils. As with all of their wines, the grapes are hand-harvested and fermented slowly with wild yeasts. Bernard and Matthieu do fantastic work in the vineyard (though not yet certified, they work with organic methods)and age this wine in old wood, both large cuves and barrels. Lovely strawberry/raspberry aromas with lush fruit on the palate balanced by refreshing acidity and chalky minerality. It's drinking beautifully now but will soften and develop for another 5 to 8 years. This is a great vintage for the Domaine Cuvee - only 50 cases for the year so don't delay.

The Baudry's Les Granges cuvee is from vineyards near the Vienne on sand and gravel soils. It's a fabulous Chinon to drink young with quite lush strawberry and raspberry fruit backed by crisp acidity. Hand harvested, wild yeast fermentation, in conversion to organic certification and yummy!