PauillacChâteau D’Armailhac
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
“Floral nose with good cassis fruit – some toasty tones too. A big structured wine on the palate that is powerful on the attack although warm and pure. The tannins are well-rounded with flavours of boysenberry and blackberry, alongside notes of vanilla and roast coffee. The finish is long and textured. A pretty wine.” Drink from 2020. Genesis score 17.
“A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2010 achieved in excess of 14% natural alcohol. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a pronounced nose of underbrush, cedarwood, licorice and black currants. This attractive, elegant, mid-weight Pauillac should be drinkable early in life and last for 15+ years.” 89-92 Robert Parker
“A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, delivering 13.85% alcohol with close 3.74 pH. The nose is a little muted at the moment despite rigorous coaxing, quite Zen-like with crushed stone, traces of blackberry leaf and cassis, gaining momentum with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly abrasive tannins on the entry although they will soften. This is a relatively masculine d’Armailhac without the glycerine you often find at this stage. More masculine, the Cabernet Sauvignon driving along to a stern but fresh finish. Good potential, but it will require cellaring more than usual.” Drink 2017- Tasted April 2011. 90-92 Neil Martin
“This has a nice briary core, showing dark fig and plum flavors, with a backdrop of roasted sage and tobacco. Offers good muscle and heft, but also the rounded feel of the house style.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Very dark purple. Not much nose. Very luscious start to the palate and some lovely structure. Really appetising and very dry on the end. Pauillac gravelly flavours. Long. Well balanced. No brute but no coquette either. Great vivaciousness and balance.” 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“Very strong and muscular d’Armailhac with mineral and currant character. Full, linear and toned. Very racy and long. Plenty of finesse too.” 92-93 James Suckling
Château Clerc Milon
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère.
“Dark red with violet tints. A really sexy nose with superb purity of fruit – wild berries with high tones of liquorice and black pepper. The wine is generously warming on the palate, round and succulent. The black fruits are balanced with tannic structure that is delivered with a velvety and refined feel. The finish is long and fresh.” Drink from 2023. Genesis score 17+.
“The powerful 2010 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and the balance mostly Merlot except for dollops of Petit Verdot and Carmenere that achieved 14.5% natural alcohol – a record at Clerc Milon. An intense purple color is followed by notes of incense, creme de cassis and flowers and a broad, rich wine with superb purity, concentration and depth. This layered, expansive effort could turn out to be one of the finest this estate has ever made. Give it 3-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.” 91-93 Robert Parker
“A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Camenere is a little reticent at first, but after 2 minutes of rigorous coaxing evolves a very pure nose of macerated black cherries, blueberry and cassis with very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a compact entry that seems to expand as it remain in the mouth. The tannins are a little more prominent than the d’Armailhac with a citrus-like freshness on the finish. It has a little more alcohol (14.5%) thanks to the Merlot compared to the others, but there it is what you might describe as a joyous Clerc-Milon.” Drink 2015- Tasted April 2011. 91-93 Neil Martin
“Offers a more rounded feel, with cassis, black licorice and plum sauce carried by very supple but substantial tannins and terrific acidity. The long finish has a solid tarry edge.” 93-96 James Molesworth
“Mid crimson. Pale rim. Very ripe nose. Very thick, ripe and dramatic. Loose and a bit formless with a dry finish. There’s a little tart note in there which some people might find a bit much. Drying finish. Fades rather fast. But overall there is succulence. It is clear that a lot of work has gone into this.” 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“I can’t remember tasting a young Clerc as exciting as this since the 1980s. Fascinating aromas of blackberries and currant jam. Very deep. Tar too. Full and very dense. It just tickles the tip of your tongue. So much there.”
95-96 James Suckling
Château Duhart Milon
73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot.
“Deep dark nose expressing black and red fruits with liquorice and a light mineral edge – undetones of oak too. The palate is fleshy with plenty of depth, exquisite with its uber ripe and rich blackfruits. The oak notes really come through complemented by the massive concentration and power of the wine. This is serious stuff. With refreshing acidity there is huge length on the finish.” Drink from 2022. Genesis score 17.5.
“This large estate (190 acres) has been on a qualitative rise for nearly a decade. A classic Pauillac, the opaque purple-colored 2010, a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, reveals beautiful notes of creme de cassis, licorice, tobacco leaf and forest floor. Bigger and more muscular than most previous vintages, this full-bodied Pauillac possesses stunning density as well as intensity. Atypically high in alcohol for this property, it requires 5-7 years of cellaring and should age effortlessly for 25-30 years.” 94-96 Robert Parker
“A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon (slightly less than 2009) and 27% Merlot, cropped between 24th September and 12th October, the Duhart has a well-defined, classic Cabernet bouquet with blackberry, smoke and a touch of cigar box. Quite Zen-like and introspective in a way but very fine delineation and class. The palate is very well balanced with very ripe Cabernet fruit, just a touch of spice and dried herbs coming through, very Duhart, very Pauillac in style with a slightly austere Pauillac finish that I really appreciate. I probably prefer this to the 2009. Excellent.” Drink 2017-2030+ Tasted March 2011. 92-94 Neil Martin
“This plump red offers black tea, warm ganache, fig and black currant confiture notes backed by a smoky finish, with pillowy but lengthy tannins. Acidity then rushes in at the very end, adding more length. An impressive step up for this wine.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Extremely deep crimson. Sweet pruney start – looks much more intense than Carruades, presumably because of all the Cabernet. Very introvert; not much nose. Juicy, fresh and liquorice – lots of energy. Lots of freshness. Dry finish. Very subtle but with extremely marked tannins. Just a little rugged. But the fruit is wonderfully concentrated.”
17+/20 Jancis Robinson
“Pure Cabernet with currants, violets and minerals on then nose. Full and polished with ultra-refined tannins and a wonderful intensity of spices and sweet tobacco.” 91-92 James Suckling
Château Grand Puy Lacoste
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 75% new oak.
“Deep red in colour. Glorious nose of blackcurrant, cedar and cassis - slightly spiced from such mature grapes. Round and pure on the palate and slightly restrained - with time this will add fat to the structure. With lovely mineral tones and a touch of graphite, the feel is quite polished. A precise ‘Lacoste’, complex with a persistent and warm textured finish.” Drink from 2022. Genesis score 17+.
“The greatest Grand Puy Lacoste since the 2005, 2000 and 1990, the fabulous 2010 reveals all the hallmarks of this estate. It boasts a dense purple color along with classic notes of creme de cassis, blueberries, blackberries, crushed rocks and flowers, sweet tannin and an exceptionally full-bodied and multilayered mouthfeel as well as a boatload of tannin. Cellar it for a decade and drink it over the following three decades. Proprietor Xavier Borie’s 2010 recalls the 2005.” 93-96 Robert Parker
“A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot, the Grand Puy Lacoste ’10 has 13.6% alcohol with a total acidity of around 3.5gms/L. It has a very complex bouquet that I leave over 5 minutes to open, developing ripe blackberry, cassis, oyster shell and a faint tang of Japanese nori (seaweed.) Very good complexity. The palate is beautifully balanced, this GPL revelling in this vintage that countenances the Cabernet Sauvignon so much. Very refined, powerful, beautifully focused with an unerring sense of symmetry. This is a magnificent Pauillac…bravo Xavier.” Drink 2020- Tasted March 2011. 97-99 Neil Martin
“Juicy and still a bit compact, but with red currant, blackberry and roasted vanilla flavors. Shows the racy style of the vintage, with a solid core of fruit for balance. The pure, lengthy finish has nice polish, and this is rock-solid, with a flash of coffee at the end.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Dramatically intense colour. But both samples I tried were a little bit tired. Sweet start but without great intensity on the mid palate. Very chewy end. Just a bit awkward and unfocused. Correct balance though with good Pauillac character. I’m just a little worried about the freshness of samples... (Stupidly, I had the chance to re-taste this chez Dourthe but was dashing for a plane and missed both it and its stablemate Haut-Batailley. I may well have underestimated this usually very reliable wine.)” 17/20 Jancis Robinson
“Lovely aromas already, with currants and blackberries. Full body, with very fine, yet dense tannins and a rich finish. Reserved and sophisticated. Noble tannins.” 95-96 James Suckling
Lacoste Borie
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.
“Lovely mineral nose, clean and fresh with sweet dark berry fruits and a touch of cinnamon spice too. The palate is full-bodied with excellent acidity that is supported by bountiful blackberry fruits. Traditional claret with a soft finish.” Drink from 2016. Genesis score 15+.
“A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc the Lacoste-Borie displays light briary and blackberry fruit on the nose, just a hint of cold black tea and truffle. Fine definition. The palate is quite supple on the entry, that Merlot adding a pleasant fleshiness to counter the precise Cabernet, a little short on the finish but very fresh and perhaps “clinical”. Very lively and “classic”.” Drink 2016- Tasted March 2011. 90-92 Neil Martin
“Licorice and violets with berries and currants and spices. Full and silky. Very fine.” 90-91 James Suckling
Château Haut Batailley
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 58% new oak.
“An almost impenetrable nose - super ripe and fresh with rich black fruits. The palate exudes purity, with refined and decadent tannins. There is good balance of oak and fruit that gives structure. A fruit-filled finish gives the wine a certain kind of charm.”Drink from 2020. Genesis score 16.5+.
“This is always the most St.-Julien-like of the Pauillacs (although occasionally Pichon-Lalande possesses a suave, St.-Julian character and less power than many Pauillacs). The dark ruby/purple-hued 2010 reveals sweet aromas of red and black currants, cedar and spicy background oak. It is an attractive, elegant, mid-weight wine with polished tannins as well as a restrained style. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.” 88-90 Robert Parker
“The Haut-Batailley ’10 is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It has what you might describe as a very “natural” bouquet with wild blackberry, raspberry, just a touch of pencil lead and wet limestone. Not an intense nose, but very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with very precise tannins, good acidity, just a little hardness at the front-palate, but this will soften. The backbone is very impressive, the finish very masculine, classic, the Cabernet Sauvignon dominating and imparting great purity and expression of terroir. Superb. As always, one of Pauillac’s over-looked gems.” Drink 2017-2040. Tasted March 2011. 92-94 Neil Martin
“This is ripe, with a lovely beam of cassis and blackberry well-harnessed by seamless acidity. The rounded, enticing finish has a dash of toasty vanilla that's well-embedded.” 90-93 James Molesworth
“Bright, deep purplish crimson. Ripe fruit with a slight smoky note. Very sweet and fluid. Not the most concentrated but a good example that you really can’t go too wrong with Pauillac 2010. Just a tiny bit of green on the finish. But super clean and fresh.” 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“This really takes off on the finish. So long with a beautiful pure Cabernet Sauvignon character that has masses of currants and berries. Raspberries too and then turns to mineral.” 92-93 James Suckling
Château Lafite Rothschild
87.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.8% Merlot
“Very dense on the nose - mouthwatering black fruits, good use of oak and light cinnamon undertones. With considerable depth and structure on the palate, the walls of the mouth are coated with mesmorising tannin giving excellent structure and a succulent feel. A profound style, underlying tones of graphite and cedar appear among buckets of ripe black fruits. This will need some time. Terrific freshness and fruit, full to the brim. As ever, very cerebral.” Drink from 2035. Genesis score 19+.
“This exceptionally rich, thick Lafite came in with the highest level of natural alcohol (13.5%) ever achieved at Lafite Rothschild. To put that in its proper context, the 2009 and 2005 were 13.3% and in the hottest Bordeaux summer ever recorded in over 200 years, the 2003 achieved 12.8%. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, all harvested between October 9 and 14, the 2010 exhibits an extraordinarily dense color, an unctuous texture and sweet black currant fruit intermixed with graphite, charcoal and truffle notes. A director Charles Chevalier told me, between July and the October harvest, Bordeaux had its driest weather since 1949, but it never got excessively hot. Hence the tiny berries, freshness and extraordinary precision of Lafite Rothschild. This superb effort will undoubtedly shut down slightly once it is bottled despite a pH of 3.8. It needs no building up because much of Lafite Rothschild has now become an obsession with the wealthy Chinese and most of it will undoubtedly be consumed before it ever hits its prime. Ideally, it should be cellared for 10-15 years and drunk over the following 50+ years.” 98-100 Robert Parker
“The 2010 is a blend of 87.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.8% Merlot, cropped between 24th September until 13th October, delivering 13.48% alcohol at pH 3.82. Whereas the 2009 Lafite was an immediate “wow”, this is far more introspective and broody, particular coming directly after Latour. Deep, dusky dark berried fruit, a touch of cedar and pencil box. Good definition but not as expressive or as vigorous as I was expected. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with fine but structure tannins, masculine in style, understated compared to Latour. I take a little sip (pourquoi pas?) and there is another annexe of dark cherry and a touch of boysenberry. Hints of cedar and spice towards the dry, tannic finish. This is a Lafite that will grow during its élevage.” Drink 2020- Tasted March 2011.
95-97 Neil Martin
“This is all guile and elegance now, with sleek, perfumy black tea, currant and crushed fig fruit, laced with subtle smoke, incense and tar. Just as you think it starts to fade, the acidity kicks in on the finish and brings everything back for an encore.” 96-99 James Molesworth
“Now, will this be the only time I ever get to see this wine, before it all migrates east? Very intense dark blackish crimson. Lovely Lafite scent – recognisable member of the family with a hint of oyster shells. But some extra breadth, even fat, this year. Hugely ambitious. Dense and quite dry on the end. But with Lafite breed and race. Somehow manages to have real roundness, covering the notable acidity and doubtless tannins which are very difficult to discern. Already a marvel and a pleasure to taste. Lovely, lovely balance.” 19/20 Jancis Robinson
“Believe the hype. Lafite is perfect in 2010. The nose is amazing with sweet tobacco, dark chocolate and currants. It is amazing. It’s like gazing into the blue sky in wonder after tasting this young wine. Full and powerful with amazing minerals, currants and bitter chocolate. It starts off slowly and then finishes with a bang. This is really layered and wonderful. It goes on and on. Stunning.” 100 James Suckling
Carruades de Lafite
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.5% Merlot, 5.1% Cabernet Franc and 2.4% Petit Verdot.
“Deep purple. Very pure nose with supple black fruits – there are also notes of tobacco, graphite, cigar box with some added underlying minerality. The palate has fantastic black fruit, deep with a little hidden menthol. The tannins are warm and the cassis flavours inviting. Structured with refreshing acidity, the wood comes through towards the finish, unforced and pure.” Drink from 2020. Genesis score 17+.
“Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Merlot and a dollop of Cabernet Franc, the beautiful 2010 Carruades de Lafite may turn out to be one of the finest yet produced (although I still have a weakness for the brilliant 2003, which is drinking beautifully at present). Notes of charcoal, black currants, sweet cherries, licorice, herbs and cedar are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, stunning second wine. It will be drinkable upon release and should last for 20 or more years.” 91-94 Robert Parker
“A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42.5% Merlot, 2.4% Petit Verdot and 5.1% Cabernet Franc, the Carruades has moderate intensity on the nose with scents of blackberry leaf, briary, a touch of cedar and some tobacco notes. The palate is a little disjointed at the moment, the tannins accentuated and a little aggressive at first, some pleasant mulberry and dark plum/cedar accents towards the finish but missing the harmony that anticipated.” Tasted March 2011. 88-90 Neil Martin
“Remarkably tight, offering black currant and sanguine notes laced with sandalwood and roasted fig. This is also tight-grained on the finish and is really long, with the acidity just going on and on. Only 10 percent new oak.” 96-96 James Molesworth
“Mid crimson without great colour intensity. Very savoury and glossy. Immediate polish on the nose here. Raspberries and tar. Great intensity and fluidity. Really this is SO much better than it used to be. Very fine wine by any measure. Bone dry. Minerals and chew on the end but no rustic tannins. Very fine and long. It is admirable that Charles Chevalier puts so much effort into this wine which, although admittedly it is expensive, could be sold several times over in China whatever it tasted like.” 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“Incredible smoke, currants and blackberries. Spices too. Full bodied, with ultra-polished tannins and blackberries, blueberries and minerals. Orange peel too. Best Carruades ever?” 95-96 James Suckling
Château Latour
90.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.5% Merlot
“A majestic Latour challenging the 2009. It has intense perfume packed with black fruits, cherry, raspberry and topped with vibrant rock-like minerality. An incredible palate with weight and immense concentration. Full-bodied. the tannins are focused leaving an off-dry finish. A monumental Latour, broader than the other firsts and one for our children’s children. An enormous wine with fabulous energy.” Drink from 2035. Genesis score 19.5.
“It’s too early to know for sure, but the 2010 Latour appears to be a huge and massive Pauillac fruit bomb from this property. With 14.4% natural alcohol, this blend of 90.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot and .5% Cabernet Franc, director Frederic Engerer told me it is unlike any other wine made at this estate. Possessing abundant amounts of everything, it even eclipses the 2009 in terms of power with a lower pH and higher total acidity. Representing only 36% of the production (making it even more difficult to find than usual, as this is the smallest of the Medoc first growths), it possesses an opaque black/purple color along with an extraordinary perfume of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry and cassis liqueurs and hints of white chocolate as well as earth intermixed with vague charcoal and truffle-like components. With unreal concentration, full-bodied power, and a precision, freshness and refined level of tannins that are something to behold, this remarkable offering is one of my personal favorites of the vintage. It will undoubtedly shut down after bottling and enjoy 50-60 years of longevity.” 98-100 Robert Parker
“A blend of 90.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot with 14.4% alcohol. The Grand Vin is quite conservative and “strict” at first, very pure with cedar and graphite dominating the profile against a backdrop of pure black fruit. But it opens up with 3-4 minutes of aeration with hints of gravel, perhaps crushed rose petals lending it a femininity to counter its intrinsic masculinity. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, real grip in the mouth, even more intensity than the 2009 but with that weightlessness and elegance towards the finish. Extraordinary.” Drink 2020- Tasted March 2011. 96-98+ Neil Martin
“Lush and layered, with nearly endless fig sauce, currant compote and blackberry cobbler notes, wound with cocoa, espresso and charcoal. This is seamless, despite its power and range, with hints of violet, blood orange and spice box flittering in.” 96-99 James Molesworth
“Extremely dark purple. Again, more ‘glamour’ than I expected. Especially on the nose. Very ambitious and gorgeous. Thick and dense and hugely long term and dry on the end. Spices – something quite Asian about this – a hint of Szechuan pepper. Explosive. Super dry and introvert but with great velvety texture. So introvert and super dry, super Latour. Monumental. The massive fruit lurks underneath the very ripe tannins at the moment. IPT 83, less than Les Forts, but it tastes much firmer.” 19/20 Jancis Robinson
“The quality of the tannins and density of fruit is truly beautiful. This is so focused, with purity and beauty. The 1990 Latour came into my head when I tasted this (twice). It starts off slowly and then builds and builds and builds . So intellectual. A superb wine with precision.” 98-99 James Suckling
Château Lynch Bages
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
“Explosive nose with loads of blackcurrant and blackberry fruits - polished with nuances of sweet oak. The palate is full-bodied, big and concentrated. The fruit is very forward and very round on the palate. The tannins are precise and mouth-coating creating well-rounded texture. The acidity is slightly subdued but lasting on the finish.” Drink from 2025. Genesis score 18.5+.
“Over the last three vintages, Lynch Bages has returned with a vengeance after somewhat listless performances following their brilliant duo of 1989 and 1990. Much of the credit for this must go to Jean-Charles Cazes who has taken over for his father, Jean-Michel, one of the greatest ambassadors Bordeaux has ever had. The 2010 blew me away on each occasion I tasted it during my two week sojourn in Bordeaux. Tannic and concentrated, this huge Pauillac boasts an inky/purple color as well as impressive notes of creme de cassis, smoke, graphite and spring flowers. This dense, seriously endowed, monstrous Lynch Bages is reminiscent of some of the wines made at this estate in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. It will require 4-5 years of cellaring and should be drinkable for 3-4 decades.”
95-97 Robert Parker
“Tasted at the chateau and at the UGC, the Lynch Bages 2010 is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot raised in 70% new oak. The nose is a little reticent at first, but builds nicely with aeration with blackberry, cassis, cedar, mint and just a touch of honey. Very good delineation. The palate is full-bodied with a firm, almost vice-like grip but with more than adequate fruit to back it up: blackcurrant, cedar, graphite and a touch of tobacco. Very tannic yet fresh towards the finish that will need a decade to reach its drinking plateau. Excellent.” Drink 2020- Tasted April 2011. 95-97 Neil Martin
“This is densely packed, with loads of crushed fig, plum and blackberry. Shows ample tobacco, roasted apple wood and bittersweet cocoa notes as well, but stays defined, with a long, authoritative finish that delivers waves of grip, backed by even more grip.” 95-98 James Molesworth
“Very dark blackish crimson. Dense and superripe. Sweet black-cherry notes on the nose but rather awkward and tart on the palate. Rather ‘styled’ somehow. Not very well integrated. Really quite hard work with drying green notes on the end.” 16/20 Jancis Robinson
“What incredible precision and clarity here. Currants, mineral, mint and lead pencil. Full body, with super refined tannins and a long, long finish. I am loving this young wine. It just builds on the palate. Goes so long.”
98-99 James Suckling
Château Mouton Rothschild
94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot
“Rich, deep concentrated nose with lots of purity - sweet pure blackcurrant and black cherry fruit aromas with a touch of cedar too. Well-integrated, the tannins help create depth with wonderful soft and lasting texture. The fruits are very black in style but slightly creamy too, supple with velvety finesse. The finish is vast and very classy.” Drink from 2035. Genesis score 19.
“The 2010 Mouton possesses the highest level of Cabernet Sauvignon (94%) of any wine this estate has produced. Combined with 6% Merlot, the wine achieved 13.9% natural alcohol. Under director Philippe Dalhuin, the harvest was accomplished between September 28 and October 13, and only 49% of the crop made it into this powerful effort. Reminiscent of the 1986, it is a 50-60 year wine that is not meant for consumers looking for near-term gratification. This backward, tannic, full-bodied, exceptionally promising 2010 reveals enormous weight along with extravagant levels of precise, fresh boysenberry and creme de cassis fruit. The abundant minerality is due no doubt to the fresh acidity. In need of at least 15 years of cellaring, it will undoubtedly remain an infant at age 25 (as does the 1986).”
97-100 Robert Parker
“Of all the First Growths, Mouton has perhaps the most seductive bouquet with macerated black cherries, crème de cassis, blackcurrant, mint and cedar all with very fine delineation but a drop more opulence than say, Lafite or Latour. The palate is full-bodied with saturated, ripe tannins, layers of pure blackberry and dark cherries intertwined with a touch of blueberry. Very good grip, very smooth and flirting with the idea of ostentatiousness...but 2010 is not that kind of vintage and the Cabernet defined the finish with graphite and a touch of, what almost feels great mineralité, much more so than the 2009. Great length and poise, this actually reminds me of the stupendous 2006.” Drink 2020-2050. Tasted March 2011. 98-100 Neil Martin
“Another battleship in the making, with a massive core of red currant, plum and blackberry fruit laced with iron and roasted apple wood and backed by massive grip. Despite the heft, this is sleek and long, with terrific poise.”
95-98 James Molesworth
“Burnished dark pruney crimson. Very opulent and heady on the nose. Lovely perfume. Lots of fully ripe black fruits. Amazingly polished – so much so that you are almost distracted from the huge tannic charge. Not quite as dense as some of the greatest 2010s but very well balanced. Hugely Cabernet. As in 2009, great care has been taken not to produce too heavy a wine. There is almost Lafite-like structure here. Very, very polished middle palate. Bone dry, pretty tannic finish.” 18.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“This is pure Mouton. The aromas to this wine are so fabulous. I thought right away back to the 1947, one of the great classics of Mouton. Menthol, minty, light eucalyptus, currants and dark fruits on the nose. Full bodied, with super intense and powerful fruit and tannins. So unique for a first growth. Almost all Cab. Magnificent. This is clearly better than 2009. “ 99-100 James Suckling
Château Pichon Longueville Baron
67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot.
“Big leathery nose with masses of black fruit. It’s so pure and so ripe on the palate. Full-bodied with brilliant definition and focus - this seems less pushed than previous vintages. Moreish in the mouth, it is big and juicy, with lots of power, richness and length on the finish. This is an excellent Baron.” Drink from 2022. Genesis score 17.5+.
“A prodigious, blockbuster effort from Pichon Longueville Baron, the 2010 is reminiscent of this estate’s titanic offerings in 1989 and 1990, but may be even greater with 30 years of longevity. Kudos to proprietor AXA and general director Christian Seeley. It was absolutely compelling on each of the three times I tasted it. Black/purple-colored with super concentration and richness as well as full body, it offers an awesome display of creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, camphor and spring flowers. Stunningly pure and unctuously textured with high but sweet, well-integrated tannins, this superstar of the vintage is definitely a wine to purchase as a future.” Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040. 97-99+ Robert Parker
“This is mouthfilling, with terrifically dense yet graceful layers of roasted coffee, warm fig sauce, currant preserves and Kenya AA coffee. The powerful finish blends iron-clad tannins and a hint of loam. Cuts a broad swath, but remains pure. Destined for a long life.” 95-98 James Molesworth
“Vibrant purple colour. Very sumptuous nose with rather more interesting nose than most at this early stage. Very rich and sumptuous and gorgeous on the palate. Much more difference between the grand vin and second wine here than at Pichon Lalande across the road. Lovely complete expression of the ripeness of both fruit and tannin in 2010. Dry and cool on the finish. Very complete. Tea-leaf aromas and lovely texture. Unctuous and much less dry on the end than many 2010s. This should be a lovely wine that could be broached relatively early but will last.” 18/20 Jancis Robinson
“This has wonderful purity of fruit with currants, blackberries and licorice on the nose and palate. Full body, with velvety yet poished tannins and a long, long finish. Roses and flowers at the end. Tar too! Reminds me of the 1990 PB.”
95-96 James Suckling
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
“Very intense nose of black plum, currant and blackberry fruit, a little graphite and some forest floor with a touch of pepper. The palate has amazing intensity with fine grained tannins. Plenty of warmth and structure from the high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, the finish lingers, very balanced and promising.”
Drink from 2025. Genesis score 18.5.
“I tasted the 2010 Pichon Lalande on three separate occasions, two consistent and one that underperformed, hence the question mark. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, it reveals an opaque purple color as well as a thick, unctuous style with fresh blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with hints of graphite, herbs and coffee. The vintage’s tell-tale minerality is present in this structured, tannic, backward effort. It will require 5-6 years of cellaring and should age for 25-30 years.” 92-95+ Robert Parker
“A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the nose with blackberry, rose petal, pencil box and a touch of cedar all with very fine definition. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, very harmonious and focused, fine mineralité coming through, sensual and velvety towards the ripe finish. Extremely pure but powerful, this is a precise, brilliantly executed Pichon-Lalande. I bet Sylvie Cazes is hoping that all vintages will be like this.” Drink 2016-2040. Tasted March 2011. 95-97 Neil Martin
“Very sappy and intense, with mouthwatering acidity framing the cassis, violet and tobacco notes, followed by a supervibrant finish that features lots of cassis bush character. The Petit Verdot isn't as obvious on the nose as the 2000, which had 10 percent in the blend, but just as prevalent on the taut finish, where there's plenty of spice, drive and cut.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Dark, intense crimson. Very rich and supple. Round and flattering. Mid weight and nicely balanced. Very easy, representative, succulent example of 2010. Lots of integrity” 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
Château Pontet Canet
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
“A very stunning nose, very pure with black cherries, cassis, liquorice and a hint of mint. Super ripe in the mouth, it is full-bodied with firm tannins and striking purity. The freshness is terrific, very focused with the more mineral elements showing towards the finish. Very good consistentcy on the finish, light black truffle and a touch of oak.” Drink from 2023. Genesis score 18.5.
“Pontet-Canet’s 2010 harvest took place between September 29 and October 17 (this vineyard is one of the few in Bordeaux that is fully certified as biodynamic) and the final blend was 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that achieved nearly 15% natural alcohol. A remarkable, full-bodied effort (as was the estate’s 2009 and 2008), like so many recent vintages from proprietor Alfred Tesseron, it is of first-growth quality (some may even argue that it eclipses several first-growths). Dense purple to the rim, it offers classic notes of creme de cassis, graphite, subtle smoke and spring flowers. Multidimensional with massive concentration as well as vivid purity, precision and freshness, this is another astonishing effort from an obsessive/compulsive proprietor who is doing everything right. On the downside, this 2010 will require a decade of cellaring and should evolve for 50+ years. It will be fascinating to drink it side by side with the 2009 and 2008.” 96-100 Robert Parker
“The Pontet Canet has a very pure bouquet that you could almost compare to a Burgundy. Blackberry, dark cherries, a touch of mint and graphite, exceptionally well defined, flowering with 3-4 minutes in the glass. The palate is full-bodied with very fine but firm, tensile tannins, perhaps even more purity than the 2009, not a million miles away (both geographically and stylistically) from Mouton-Rothschild. The finish is very smooth with a sorbet-like freshness, firm grip, long in the mouth towards the finish with some crème de cassis and blueberry towards the finish. The Merlot content lends this a little more opulence than some of the other Pauillac 2010s. There is a lot of volume to this wine, really fills the mouth with a sweet, sensual finish, but keep find myself yearning for more Cabernet Sauvignon.” Drink 2020-2050. Tasted March 2011. 93-95 Neil Martin
“Seriously dense, with thickly layered fig paste, macerated black currant fruit, Kenya AA coffee and roasted tobacco. But really fresh and invigorating throughout, with mouthwatering iron and apple wood notes. Despite the power, this cuts like a knife from the start. When the Bordelais say precise, this is what they mean.” 96-99 James Molesworth
“Dense, rich and minty on the nose with real density. Lots of luscious chew. This is clearly from a great vintage with huge vivacity. Heavy undertow. Long. Minerals and firm. Racy.” 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“What a nose of black currants, minerals and blueberries. Flowers too. Licorice. Full bodied, with a wonderful texture of super refined tannins and a long, long finish. A beautiful concentration of fruit and purity and precision. So clear and focused. Super, super long. The tannins and finish are all in balance. This is the first vintage completely certified for biodynamic. Like a Swiss watch.” 97-98 James Suckling
