2009 is widely cited as an outstanding vintage. The growing season was almost perfect, with a long, fine, warm summer and crucially, cooler nights which helped to retain balancing acidity. The wines are intensely ripe and rich. This 2009 Chateau Puy Guilhem is a powerful yet elegant red with ripe berried fruits enhanced by a subtle note of oak spice. Full-bodied, with juicy fruit and an attractive savoury note on the finish.
The appellation of Fronsac is on the right bank close to Saint Emilion. The wines are dominated by Merlot. Château Puyguilhem’s vineyard is situated in an elevated position of the appellation, atop high-quality soil composed of a mix of clay and silt, which imparts structure to the wine. The vineyard is managed sustainably without the use of herbicides. Cover crops of grass are grown between the vines and managed with light tilling.