Wines Pauillac La Rose Pauillac - 2009

Viniou Reviews

La Rose Pauillac 2009 is a red wine from Bordeaux, specifically hailing from the illustrious Pauillac AOC in the Médoc region. This vintage, 2009, was particularly exceptional in Bordeaux, characterised by warm, sunny weather which resulted in perfectly ripe grapes and wines with opulent fruit richness and refined tannic structure. The wine is typically a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Merlot and sometimes small amounts of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. The gravelly soils of the Pauillac area are renowned for conferring excellent drainage, promoting deep root growth and adding complex mineral nuances to the resulting wines. Maturation in oak barrels is common, imbuing additional layers of spice, toast, and subtle vanilla to the final wine.

Pauillac itself is a small but mighty appellation at the heart of the Médoc, famous worldwide for producing some of the most ageworthy and complex red wines in all of France. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate moderated by its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which protects vines from severe frosts and enables long, slow ripening of the grapes. The combination of Pauillac’s deep gravel soils and unique microclimate has helped establish its reputation for wines of superb finesse, powerful blackcurrant and cedar characters, and impressive longevity. Historically, Pauillac’s châteaux form the backbone of Bordeaux’s elite classified growths, making any wine from this appellation worthy of attention in a fine cellar.

Pairing La Rose Pauillac 2009 with food calls for robust, flavourful dishes that can match the wine's structure and intensity. Classic choices include grilled entrecôte or roast rack of lamb, both traditional in the Médoc. Hearty beef stews, duck confit, or wild mushrooms sautéed in butter also work beautifully. For a regional touch, consider serving it with a Bordelaise sauce enriched with shallots and bone marrow, or with aged French cheeses such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

For optimal appreciation, decant this wine for at least an hour to allow the aromas and flavours to fully open up. Serve it at a temperature between 16-18°C to showcase its full bouquet and velvety tannins. This 2009 is now at or approaching its peak maturity but will continue to reward careful cellaring for several more years.