Is 2009 vintage Bordeaux’s wine of the century?

The 2009 Bordeaux harvest isn’t being heralded as “the vintage of the century” … yet.
Canny French marketers — the folks who that convinced Americans to eat snails and pay for water — wouldn’t cash in that time-tested banner with 91 vintages yet to ripen on the vine.
But in an age with an under-abundance of good news, the 2009 red Bordeaux vintage is a winning situation for us all.
For the consumer, these are classic Cabernet Sauvignon- and Merlot-based wines, rich in texture and beautifully balanced with seamless interplay of ripened black fruit, fine tannin, pleasing acidity and clear expression of Bordeaux’s unique soil, climate and culture.
For producers, the consistently excellent quality in all price categories can attract new drinkers to a category that has steadily lost business to New World regions, especially those in the U.S. and Chile.
“This is an opportunity to purchase a classic wine of outstanding quality, that is very approachable now, but will really improve with a couple of years age,” says Simon Lambert, senior wine consultant for The Chicago Wine Company, retailer and auctioneer of fine wine. “With delicious, top-ranked wines for $30 and up, it simply disproves the common perception that all Bordeaux is expensive.”
“Top rank” refers to Bordeaux’s Classification, which has defined the relative value of each property’s output since 1855. Note: the classification defines value — much the same as a website’s “Sort by Price” tool — not necessarily quality or appeal. The Premier Grand Cru’s (First Great Growths) sell instantaneously for dizzying prices ($2,000 per bottle before release), but “Super Seconds” through Fifth Growths all have ardent customers.
For top quality coupled with value, Lambert recommends wines below top Cru’s, including Chateau La Lagune(Third Growth, Haut Medoc; currently $63.50 at The Chicago Wine Company) andChateau La Croix de Gay ($36.50; Pomerol was not included in the Classification.) Details at www.tcwc.com or (630) 594-2972.
You’ll need to wait until spring 2012, however, to pick up your order. Such is the worldwide demand for Bordeaux (and the skill of the French marketer), that wines are sold in advance of delivery; in fact, in advance of bottling.
Lambert, for instance, traveled to Bordeaux to taste the wines from barrel in 2010. “They’ve been going up in price ever since,” he says with mixed emotion.
But outstanding quality is also available in Bordeaux Superieur — the more casual tier — already on retail shelves.
“I want my customers to try before they buy,” says Jeff Sukowski, general manager of Malloy’s Finest Wines & Spirits in Glen Ellyn, Lisle and Naperville. “Even though I can offer excellent wine for under $20, (see Ross’ Choice), I want to know people are comfortable with the flavors of Bordeaux.” (Visit MalloysFinest.com for tasting dates and online shopping.)
Then he adds, “I’ve enjoyed every 2009 Bordeaux I’ve tasted.”
Check with Sukowski, Lambert and other local retailers for their selection and tastings of red Bordeaux. Then you can decide if 2009 is the vintage of your century.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120222/entlife/702229915/
Residents of Manila travel out of town to the north in search for nice scenic spots in Clark, Pampanga for taking pictures as well as to unwind and relax in a well known hotel outside Manila. Frequently visited private resort in Manila is Clearwater, highly recommended by travel guide.

Clark Philippines offers good value for money for travelers and tourists looking for a safe and clean place to spend a vacation outside of Manila. There are a number of well know scenic spots and popular tourist destinations in Clark. Clark is already a popular destination for golfers from Manila. Clark Freeport offers some of the best golf courses in Pampanga and outshines many golf clubs and golf courses elsewhere in the Philippines.

Frequently visited beach resort in Pampanga opens new lodgings in Clark called The Lake House. This is a cluster of three rooms and a one-bedroom suite, all built over the bank of the fresh water lake in Clark Philippines.

This private resort in Pampanga, Angeles City, Clark Philippines is a highly recommended even venue in North Luzon for company outings and family retreats. The outdoor resort is a frequently visited hotel in Clark Pampanga because of beautiful view and good outdoor facilities for swimming, picnic and barbecue.

Families in Manila traveling out of town go to the north to get away from Manila to unwind, relax and swim with friends and children. Highly recommended holiday spot, outdoor resort and day-trip destination in the north is Clearwater Beach Resort in Clark. Clark is adjacent to Pampanga’s Angeles City which is just 70 minutes from Manila and 25 minutes from Subic. Clark is generally considered to be the safest tourist destination in the Philippines and it is also a peaceful place with no stress, very popular for tourists and event organizers looking for tranquil locations and calming spots for family bonding, corporate events and weddings.