Scott Greenberg, wtop.com

One of the things that really sunk in about the past decade in Bordeaux is that for the first time in recent memory, Bordeaux did not experience any “off” vintages. Not a single one.

Of all the good-to-great vintages, 2009 seems to be the best of the bunch, with a perfect combination of a gentle, cool winter, a warm spring and an even rise in temperature throughout the summer months.

As a result, both red and white grapes developed beautiful flavors that made spectacular wines. The bad news; wine prices for this vintage have pushed the limits of most consumer’s budgets. But, as with all things Bordeaux, buying these wines now to enjoy five to ten years down the road could actually be a tasteful investment.

Let’s start with the best value of the vintage, the 2009 Chateau Meney from the Saint-Est