2010 In Bottle Reviews

The big news this week is from James Suckling - the first critic to publish his in-bottle evaluations of 2010 Bordeaux. 

"The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux is truly superb. It's a twin vintage in quality to the great 2009, but it's very much different in style. The 2010 reds have more tannin structure, slightly more acidity than 2009, and, in many cases, more alcohol. It sounds like a cliché, but as one winemaker said to me, it is a vintage with more of everything."  Source: www.jamessuckling.com

After tasting more than 800 wines, Suckling awards 100 points to 11 wines, explaining:  "I actually gave more perfect scores in 2010 than in 2009. These perfect wines were so moving, so impressive. They have unparalleled structure and richness, but at the same time, they have balance and harmony – even with relatively high alcohols. The greatest are not aggressive and already give great pleasure. They underline how great vintages of Bordeaux are always wonderful to taste, whether from barrel or bottle."

No surprises in that most of the top scorers are the usual names, but we are absolutely thrilled to offer two brilliant value wines - Right and Left Bank - that have been awarded 95 points, outperforming many properties that are twice and three times the price!  Bordeaux followers may be already familiar with Ormes de Pez, made by the Lynch Bages team and regularly one of our best value en primeur picks.  Larmande is lesser known despite its history as one of Saint Emilion's oldest vineyards.  Having undergone extensive renovation in the cellar, soil analysis and conversion to biodynamics, Larmande is a Chateau to watch, and in 2010, is definitely worth a punt!

95pts James Suckling "Attractive nose with animal notes, mint and dark fruit.  Wonderful freshness at the beginning of the palate and builds up with a huge structure and multilayered texture. Long and very classy.  Great potential but needs a couple of years to soften up the tannins.  Best wine for a long time.  Try after 2016."

95pts James Suckling "Wonderful aromas of currants and blackberries with hints of spices.  Full body, with fabulous tannins and a long and creamy texture to the finish.  I love the depth of fruit to this.  Best ever from here. Great value for the vintage.  Try in 2017. Attractive nos with animal notes, mint and dark fruit.  Wonderful freshness at the beginning of the palate and builds up with a huge structure and multilayered texture. Long and very classy.  Great potential but needs a couple of years to soften up the tannins.  Best wine for a long time.  Try after 2016."

Summary of Top Scorers
100 points:  Ducru Beaucaillou, La Mission Haut Brion, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Pontet Canet, & Cheval Blanc, Vieux Chateau Certan, Le Pin, Petrus, Lafleur,
99 points:  Leoville Lascases, Lafite, Angelus, Domaine de Chevalier Blanc
98 points:  Haut Bailly, Palmer, Rauzan Segla, Lynch Bages & Figeac, Ausone, La Conseillante, Eglise Clinet, La Fleur Petrus, Trotanoy.
97 points:  Cos d'Estournel, Yquem, Haut Brion, Leoville Barton, Montrose, Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc.
96 points:  Calon Segur, Canon, Climens, Feytit Clinet, Gruaud Larose, Guiraud, Hosanna, Evangile, La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, Latour a Pomerol, Nenin, Pape Clement, Clos du Marquis, Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Chapelle de la Mission, La Mondotte, Petit Mouton, Forts de Latour, Pavillon Rouge, Pensees de Lafleur
95 points:  Beausejour Becot, Belair-Monange, Beychevelle, Certan de May, Doisy Daene, Faugeres, Giscours, Grand Puy Lacoste, Lagrange, Larmande, Bon Pasteur, Leoville Poyferre, Malartic Lagraviere, Malescot St Exupery, Olivier, Ormes de Pez, Pavie Macquin, Petit Village, Pichon Baron, Providence, Smith Haut Lafitte, Suduiraut, Trottevieille, Valaudraud Blanc, Valandraud, Petit Cheval, Chapelle d'Ausone, Branaire Ducru, Brane Cantenac, Cantenac Brown, Clerc Milon, Issan, Dassault, Haut Batailley, La Dominique, La Louviere Blanc, Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc, Lascombes, Magdelaine, Peby Faugeres, Pichon Lalande.