I should have mentioned:

You can also still get high-end, short reach Shimano brifters that are 9 speed, and will allow you to run a triple up front. ( I just wanted an excuse to post a picture of my bike.) They are called the R600, are of Ultegra-level quality, and can be ordered through your LBS. They retail for way too much, like way +$300--but still cheaper than other options to run this kind of gearing on a road bike.