The other day I enjoyed one of my small stash of the 2008 vintage of this wine, which I love for its rich, interesting flavour. The 2009 is quite different, amazingly smooth and a bit more subdued. I have had $50 Brunello di Montalcino that was not this good. It is great now, so who knows how it will age. I intend to find out, I just ran out and bought a case. Can I say more?

On April 28th/12, the Vintages released 2009 Château Des Moines, however portion of the batch contained bottles that were labelled as the 2008 vintage. I purchased two bottles of the 2008 vintage, and since it is not clear whether it is actually the 2008 vintage or mislabelled 2009 vintage (personal conversation with an LCBO product consultant), I therefore review it under both vintages.
The 2008 Château Des Moines (on the label) is composed of 72% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec (same as 2009) and was aged for 12 months in oak barrels. It is a medium bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of red berries, dark chocolate, oak and vanilla on the nose; and green red currant, vanilla and coconut on the palate. It has a good structure with nice acidity, refined tannins (decant for 30 min) and a long finish. Drink now or hold for the next 10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91-92 pts - I would highly recommend it if it was still available, though there is a possibility of a re-release in the near future. Aug/12.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

www.GrapeSelections.com

or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

At it's prime now, the age upped it's complexity nicely. Very smooth, with the cedar aspect coming a bit to the fore. Old world in a very good way.

Medium bodied, with slight lean dark berry fruits, notes of tea and earth. Finishes with some drying tannin. Quite alot going on here, though I am not sure that this wine is in a happy place just yet. I think that this shows better in 2-3 years. Tasted July 2012.