UGC Tastings - Sao Paulo (3/7/12) and Rio (3/8/12) - Nicholas Silvers

This will be my final write up about the 2009 Bordeaux for some time.  The Parker scores are out so please check my pre-Parker comments prior to reading this.  Once again, the 2009s showed as flashy, forward, sexy, opulent wines.  That said, they have begun to shut down a bit since tasting them in Chicago in late January.  Not every Chateau that was in Chicago came to Brazil and unlike Chicago, Angelus did come (which is a very good thing!).  If you are tempted to open them, and that is a big temptation, I recommend popping the cork and drinking from the bottle rather than decanting ahead of time and waiting.  However, as I noted in the Chicago tasting, the right bank wines will reward those with patience and do need time as they are monsters.  While I am still and until proven otherwise will remain to be a huge advocate of the 2010s, these 2009s are not wines to be ignored in the least.  Without further ado, my top wines (in no particular order) are Leoville Poyferre, Clerc Milon, Grand Puy Lacoste, Pichon Baron, Lynch Bages, Pichon Lalande, Clos Fourtet, Lafon Rochet (value), Gloria (value), St. Pierre, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle, Smith Haut Lafite (rouge), Lascombes, Brane Cantenac, Conseillante, Clinet, Troplong Mondot, Canon, Canon La Gaffeliere, Figeac, and Angelus.
 

This list is very similar to my previous notes with a few things worth noting:

Pichon Baron - This is the 100 point wine Parker missed.  I had it both days early and was rewarded because it did shut down with air but the winemaking that is taking place at Pichon Baron is something everyone must pay attention to and 2009 and 2010 are no exceptions!
Pichon Lalande - I did not like this wine in Chicago but tasted it both days with consist ant notes in Brazil and it showed far better on both days.
Lafon Rochet - This wine is under rated by everyone.  In fairness, it like all St Estephe wines are tough to taste young.  However, it is a really lovely wine and will represent a great value for those with some patience.
Gloria - I noted this as a value from my previous notes, but make no mistake this is THE BEST GLORIA IN DECADES!  Outstanding.
Beychevelle - This was also not noted from Chicago but showed very well on both days and was clearly worth adding to the list.
Smith Haut Lafite (rouge) - I noted this wine pre-Parker from Chicago as one of the top wines and while it strokes my ego to say that before the magical 100 point score, I cannot say its that good in light of the other great wines.  It is still great, but I cannot recommend chasing it at the current levels.  I would still buy it at pre-100 prices all day long.
Angelus - I had this at the Chateau in October and it was amazing then.  I was disappointed to not see them in Chicago but thrilled to have a go in Brazil.  How one can call this 99 vs 100 is splitting hairs (always is).  Truly an amazing, not to miss wine.  Pay attention to the 2010 as well as Angelus is performing at an exceptionally high level.
Figeac - This is historically very very hard to taste young but in great vintages is a great bet.  This sample was starting to show the incredible wine that will one day be a fantastic drink.