Alexandre Thienpont from Vieux Chateau Certan, who made heavenly 2010
Weather conditions
2010 started as in 2009, with cold winter the first two months, and March was quite rainy and grey. April turned out to be a sunny, warm, and dry month, and this helped buds to break at normal times. May was cold but not especially rainy, while June was cold too and very rainy. This overcast and rainy weather resulted in coulure and millerandage, especially on Merlot grapes present in several places. Dry, sunny, and warm July allowed vines to compensate for the flowering delay. The first problem arrived - water stress. Rainfall in July was under 20 mm. In many places, vines stopped to work at the end of July. Color change for all grapes occurred almost half a week later than in 2009.
Remarkably dry and warm August and September, but no heat wave(s) allowed grapes to ripen slowly, gaining aromas and not experiencing any diseases. In 2010, grapes' maturity inside and outside (skins) happened simultaneously, which was different in 2009. Grapes gained in tannin and alcohol. Tannin levels were the highest ever, and alcohol levels rose very quickly. Winemakers had to make a quick decision - to harvest or to wait. However, depending on the soil, it was necessary to wait long (especially on Left Bank) to finish the harvest.
After participating in the 2010 harvest, I wrote this in the headlines on my website - "The big question is how winemakers will cope with high tannins. They're ripe and fat. As grapes were small, there was also concentrated juice, so everything lies in careful maceration trying to balance fruit and tannin". Winemakers also had to deal with very high alcohol levels in 2010, higher than in 2009. Therefore careful maceration in terms of time and temperature was incredibly important to balance alcohol, tannin, and fruit.
Unfortunately, several winemakers were trapped in their attempt to do something extraordinary, and they overdid vinification, producing wines that were too alcoholic, unbalanced, overextracted, and too dry on palate and aftertaste. This was to be experienced in several places at Right Bank. I believe that Pomerol, Left Bank, including Medoc, Haut Medoc, and Pessac-Léognan appellation, did best.
2010 vintage in red er destined to last for many, many years. Different styles - ranging from powerful, strong, thick, very tannic wines to silky, extremely fruity, sensual, sublime, and sophisticated wines. There's everything for different tastes. Top estates, as usual, made extraordinary wines, but several wines in the lower hierarchy made stunning wines and, for some, the best ever. I say better 2010 vintage is better than 2009, but both are close. It's more difference in millimeters than centimeters. The difference is slightly better ripeness of fruit and tannin in 2010.
2010 is a fabulous vintage for white dry Bordeaux, better than 2009, and for white sweet Bordeaux, again a stunning vintage, resembling in some way 2001, but not that rich and deep. Some properties in Sauternes & Barsac, in 2010, exceeded the 2005 and 2007 vintage.
I've rated 290 wines out of 320 tasted, but wines like f.i. Calon Segur, L'Eglise Clinet, and Cos d'Estournel weren't tasted for various reasons like refusal of visit, no reply on requesting a visit, and tight schedule.
RATINGS
D'Aiguilhe Cotes de Castillon 89-90 Aile d'Argent (white Mouton Rothschild) Bordeaux 92p Alter Ego de Palmer Margaux 92-93 L'Ambroisie du Ch. La Croix St.Moines Lalande de Pomerol 90-91 Angélus St-Emilion GC 96 d'Angludet Margaux 91-92 d'Arche Sauternes & Barsac 91 d'Armailhac Pauillac 92 Ausone St-Emilion GC 98-99
Balestard La Tonnelle St-Emilion GC 89 Barde-Haut St-Emilion GC 93-94 Barrabaque Canon-Fronsac 90 Bastor Lamontagne Sauternes & Barsac 91 Batailley Pauillac 90 Beau-Séjour Bécot St-Emilion GC 94 Beaumont Haut-Médoc 91 Beauregard Pomerol 88 Beauséjour St-Emilion GC 92+
Belair-Monange St-Emilion GC 93-94 Belgrave Haut-Médoc 89 Bellegrave Pomerol 90 Bellevue Mondotte St-Emilion GC 97-98 Bellevue de Tayac Margaux 89-90 Berliquet St-Emilion GC 89-90 Beychevelle St-Julien 93 Blanc de Valandraud N°1 Bordeaux 91-92 Bonalgue Pomerol 90 Bon Pasteur Pomerol 93-94 Bourgneuf Pomerol 94+
Bouscaut Pessac-Léognan 89 Bouscaut white 90 Pessac-Léognan Branaire St-Julien 92-93 Brane-Cantenac Margaux 93 Broustet Sauternes & Barsac 91 La Cabanne Pomerol 92 Caillou Sauternes & Barsac 91-92 Calon Montagne St-Emilion 88 de Camensac Haut-Médoc 92 Canon St-Emilion GC 93-94 Canon-La-Gaffelière St-Emilion GC 93-94 Cantelauze Pomerol 92-93 Cantemerle Haut-Médoc 92
Cantenac-Brown Margaux 93 Cap de Mourlin St-Emilion GC 90 Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan 92 Carbonnieux white Pessac-Léognan 89 CarlMagnus Canon-Fronsac 90-91 Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 92 Carruades de Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 90-91 Certan de May Pomerol 92-94 Chadenne Fronsac 90 Chantegrive Graves 89
Chantegrive white Graves 90 Chapelle d'Ausone St-Emilion GC 92-93 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 91-93 Chasse Spleen Moulis 92 Cheval Blanc St-Emilion GC 97-98 Citran Haut-Médoc 89 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 91-92 Clarke Listrac 92 La Clarte de Haut Brion Pessac -Léognan (white wine) 88 Clement Pichon Haut Medoc 89-90
Clerc Milon Pauillac 92-93 Climens Sauternes & Barsac 98-99 Clinet Pomerol 93-94 Clos des Baies St-Emilion GC 90-91 Clos de Beau Pere Pomerol 89-90 Clos Fourtet St-Emilion GC 93-94 Clos Haut Peyraguey Sauternes & Barsac 93-94 Clos l'Eglise Pomerol 95 Clos les Lunelles Côtes de Castillon 92 Clos de L'Oratoire St.Emilion 91-92 La Confession St-Emilion GC 95
La Conseillante Pomerol 96 Le Conseiller Bordeaux Superieur 90 Corbin St-Emilion GC 92 Corbin Michotte St-Emilion GC 92 Cos Labory St-Estèphe 91 Coufran Haut-Médoc 89 La Couspaude St-Emilion GC 92-93 Coutet Sauternes & Barsac 92 La Croix Saint-Georges Pomerol 96-97 La Croix de Gay Pomerol 88 Croix Mouton Bordeaux Superieur 90 Croizet-Bages Pauillac 91-92
Dalem Fronsac 91-92 La Dame de Montrose St-Estèphe 90 Dassault St-Emilion GC 90 de La Dauphine Fronsac 90 Dauzac Margaux 93 Desmirail Margaux 87-88 Doisy Daene Sauternes & Barsac 92 Doisy Vedrines Sauternes & Barsac 93-94 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan 95 Domaine de Chevalier blanc Pessac-Léognan 97-98
Domaine de Gachet Lalande de Pomerol 89 Domaine des Gourdins St-Emilion GC 87 Domaine des Sabines Lalande de Pomerol 89-90 La Dominique St-Emilion GC 93+ Duhart-Milon-Rothschild Pauillac 91-93 Duo de Conseillante Pomerol 89 Durfort Vivens Margaux 91 Domaine de L'Eglise Pomerol 87 de Fargues Sauternes & Barsac 96 Fayat Pomerol 89 Ferrande Pessac-Léognan 89 Ferrande white Pessac-Léognan 90-91
Ferrière Margaux 93 Feytit-Clinet Pomerol 89-90 de Fieuzal Pessac-Léognan 90 de Fieuzal white Pessac-Léognan 90-91 Figeac St-Emilion GC 92 Filhot Sauternes & Barsac 91 Fleur Cardinale St-Emilion GC 93-94 La Fleur de Gay Pomerol 90 La Fleur Petrus Pomerol 93-94 de Fonbel St-Emilion GC 91-92
Fonreaud Listrac 92 Fontenil Fronsac 90-91 Les Forts de Latour Pauillac 90-92 Fourcas Dupre Listrac 87 Fourcas Hosten Listrac 87 Franc-Mayne St-Emilion GC 89-90 de France Pessac-Léognan 90 de France white Pessac-Léognan 90-91
G Bordeaux Superieur 89 du Gaby Fronsac 90 La Gaffelière St-Emilion GC 93-94 Le Gay Pomerol 96 Gazin Pomerol 92-93 Gloria St-Julien 87 Grand Ormeau Lalande de Pomerol 89 Grand-Puy-Ducasse Pauillac 92 Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac 94-95 Grand Village Bordeaux Superieur 89 Grand Village blanc Bordeaux 90 La Grave Pomerol 90-91 La Graviere Lalande de Pomerol 88-89 Greysac Médoc 91 Gruaud-Larose St-Julien 93
Guiraud Sauternes & Barsac 92 Haut Bages Liberal Pauillac 93 Haut-Bailly Pessac-Léognan 95 Haut-Bergey Pessac-Léognan 94 Haut-Bergey white Pessac-Léognan 95-96 Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 98-100 Haut-Brion blanc Pessac-Léognan 97-99 Haut Carles Fronsac 89-90 Haut Maillet Pomerol 90-91 Haut Marbuzet St-Estephe 91-92p
Haut Simard St-Emilion GC 90-91 Hosanna Pomerol 94-95 Kirwan Margaux 93 Labégorce Margaux 93-94 Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac 97-99 Lafleur Pomerol 97-99 Lafleur Gazin Pomerol 90-91 Lafon-Rochet St-Estèphe 92 Lafaurie Peyraguey Sauternes & Barsac 95-96
Lagrange St-Julien 88 Lamarque Haut-Médoc 92 Lamothe Sauternes & Barsac 90 Lamothe Guignard Sauternes & Barsac 90 Langoa-Barton St-Julien 88 Larcis-Ducasse St-Emilion GC 93-94 Larmande St-Emilion GC 90 Larrivet-Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 86 Larrivet-Haut-Brion blanc Pessac-Léognan 91 Lascombes Margaux 88 Latour Pauillac 98-100
Latour-a-Pomerol Pomerol 93-94 Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan 91 Latour-Martillac white Pessac-Léognan 94 Léoville-Barton St-Julien 92-93 Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien 92-93 Lespault Martillac Pessac-Léognan 89-90 Lespault Martillac blanc Pessac-Léognan 90-91 La Louvière Pessac-Léognan 93 La Louvière white Pessac-Léognan 94
Lynch Bages Pauillac 94-95 Lynch-Moussas Pauillac 91-92 Maucaillou Moulis 92 Magdelaine St-Emilion GC 92 Malartic-La Gravière Pessac-Léognan 93 Malartic-Lagravière white Pessac-Léognan 92 Malescasse Haut-Médoc 91 Malescot-Saint-Exupéry Margaux 92-93 de Malle Sauternes & Barsac 94-95 Manoir de Gay Pomerol 89-90 Margaux Margaux 98-100 Marquis d'Alesme Margaux 93+ Marquis de Terme Margaux 87
La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 96-97 La Mission Haut Brion blanc Pessac-Léognan 95-96 Monbousquet St-Emilion GC 94 Monbousquet white Bordeaux 92 Monbrison Margaux 92 La Mondotte St-Emilion GC 96-97 Montrose St-Estèphe 96-97
Montviel Pomerol 91-92 Moulin Haut-Laroque Fronsac 90-91 Le Moulin Pomerol 90-91 Moulin Saint-Georges St-Emilion GC 93 Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac 98-100 Myrat Sauternes & Barsac 94 Nairac Sauternes & Barsac 95 Olivier Pessac-Léognan 91 Olivier blanc Pessac-Léognan 92 Les Ormes de Pez St-Estèphe 91-92
Palmer Margaux 96-97 Pape Clément Pessac-Léognan 95 Pape Clément blanc Pessac-Léognan 94 Pauillac de Château Latour Pauillac 88 Pavie St-Emilion GC 98 Pavie-Decesse St-Emilion GC 97-98 Pavie-Macquin St-Emilion GC 92
Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux Margaux 92-93 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux Bordeaux 93-94 Pensées de Lafleur Pomerol 90-92 Le Petit Cheval St-Emilion GC 90-91 Le Petit Mouton de Mouton-Rothschild Pauillac 91-92 Petit Village Pomerol 92 Petrus Pomerol 98-99 Phélan-Ségur St-Estèphe 91-92
Pibran Pauillac 91 Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac 95-96 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Pauillac 94 Picque Caillou Pessac-Léognan 92 Picque Caillou blanc Pessac-Léognan 92 de Pez St-Estèphe 90 Le Pin Pomerol 97-99 Plaisance Cotes de Bordeaux 87 Plince Pomerol 87 Plincette Pomerol 89 La Pointe Pomerol 92-93 Pontet-Canet Pauillac 96 Poujeaux Moulis 91-92 La Providence Pomerol 92
Prieure Lichine Margaux 92-93 Puy Blanquet St-Emilion GC 88 Rabaud Promis Sauternes & Barsac 91 Rahoul Pessac-Léognan 90 Rahoul Pessac-Léognan blanc 91 Rauzan-Gassies Margaux 92-93 Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 93-94 Raymond Lafon Sauternes & Barsac 96-98 Rayne Vigneau Sauternes & Barsac 91 Reignac Bordeaux Superieur 88 Reynon Cotes de Bordeaux 88 Rieussec Sauternes & Barsac 92+ de La Riviere Fronsac 90-91
Roc de Cambes Côtes de Bourg 93 Romer du Hayot Sauternes & Barsac 91 Rouget Pomerol 87 Sacre Coeur Pomerol 92-93 Saint-Pierre St-Julien 87 Sansonnet St-Emilion GC 90 Seguin Pessac-Leognan 95+ La Serre St-Emilion 92 La Sergue Pomerol 88 Siaurac Lalande de Pomerol 89 Sigalas Rabaud Sauternes & Barsac 93 Simard St-Emilion GC 91-92
Siran Margaux 92 Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Léognan 94 Smith Haut Lafitte white Pessac-Léognan 95 Suau Sauternes & Barsac 91 Suduiraut Sauternes & Barsac 91 Taillefer Pomerol 90-92 Talbot St-Julien 92 Tertre-Roteboeuf St-Emilion GC 95-96 La Tour du By Medoc 91 La Tour Carnet Haut-Médoc 92-93 La Tour Figeac St-Emilion GC 88-89 Thieuley Reserve F.C. Bordeaux 87
La Tour du Pin St-Emilion GC 91 Les Tourelles de Longueville Pauillac 90-91 Tournefeuille Lalande de Pomerol 89 Tronquoy-Lalande St-Estèphe 91 Troplong-Mondot St-Emilion GC 95 Trotanoy Pomerol 96-97 Trottevieille St-Emilion GC 93-94 La Tour Blanche Sauternes & Barsac 92 Valandraud St-Emilion GC 97
Veyry Côtes de Castillon 90-91 La Vieille Cure Fronsac 89-90 Vieux Château Certan Pomerol 99-100 Vieux Maillet Pomerol 87 Vingt Mille Bordeaux Superieur 90-91 la Violette Pomerol 96-97 Vrai Croix de Gay Pomerol 87 d'Yquem Sauternes & Barsac 98-100
SAUTERNES & BARSAC
d'Yquem had a freshness, multiple aromas, depth, sophisticated touch, astonishing intensity, depth, and balance. Almost as breathtaking as in the 2009 vintage. 98-100p.
Climens was tasted as usual from different barrels and blends. According to Berenice Lurton, 2010 had more structure, depth, and length than 2009. I agree, and I found botrytised flavors pure, with higher residual sugar, better balance, and much better acidity than in 2009. For sure, it'll be otherworldy Climens 2010. 98-99p.
Raymond Lafon appeared as a very sophisticated wine, rich, exquisite balance, with grapefruit flavor very present, big depth, and honeyed finish. Wonderful wine. 96-98p.
De Fargues had an intense nose of grapefruit, acacia honey, and apricot, a strong and full-bodied palate, excellent acidity, and balance. I tasted it both at UGC and the property. Marvelous wine. 96p.
Lafaurie Peyraguey was as impressive as de Fargues, with great depth, a lot of sweetness, and a long lingering aftertaste. Simply stunning wine. 95-96p.
Nairac offered a wide range of botrytised flavors like grapefruit, lemon peel, pineapple, and pear. It was distinguished and long on the palate with great sweetness, acidity, and graceful aftertaste. Very precise and thoughtful winemaking. Exquisite effort. 95p.
De Malle created a wonderfully crafted wine nose, offering many flavors like pineapple, acacia, and pear. Powerful and intense on the palate, with excellent acidity and balance, with a long honeyed aftertaste. Great style and great winemaking. 94-95p.
de Myrat resembled a lot of de Malle with the same multiple flavors, excellent acidity in a perfect marriage with sweetness and honeyed aftertaste, but slightly less concentrated. 94p.
Clos Haut Peyraguey had plenty of botrytised flavors, like pineapple, candied orange, and lemon peel, strong structure, superb balance, and a long honeyed finish. Formidable wine. 93-94p. Doisy Vedrines made as impressive wine as Clos Haut Peyraguey. 93-94p.
Sigalas Rabaud impressed with loads of grapefruit, pear, and dried apricots on the nose, delightful sweetness and acidity on the palate, great balance, Lingering finish. 93p.
Rieussec tasted backward but had all the ingredients necessary for a great future. 92+p.
Coutet and Doisy Daene offered an intense flavor of acacia honey, orange peel, and pear, a great combination of sweetness and acidity, a superb concentration of candied fruits on the palate, and a smooth finish. Fine quality and well-deserved 92p. Guiraud and La Tour Blanche followed on the same track. 92p.
Caillou also showed superb intensity, pear, sweet oranges, sweetness, corresponding acidity, and a smooth finish. 91-92p.
D*Arche, Broustet, Filhot, and Rabaud Promis made almost as impressive performance as Caillou, just slightly less intense and less concentrated. 91p. Bastor Lamontagne, Romer du Hayot and Suau showed pretty much as tastefully and impressive as quartet mentioned above. 91p
Suduiraut tasted closed and wasn't ready to show its qualities. My rating may be too conservative. 91p.
Rayne Vigneau showed elegant touch with fine flavors, acidity, and smooth aftertaste. 90-91p.
Lamothe and Lamothe Guignard gave a very fine performance with a pretty fine intensity of flavors fine interplay between acidity and fruit. Well-made wines. 90p.
PÉSSAC-LÉOGNAN
Red wines:
Haut Brion delivered lots of dark cherries covered by milk chocolate on the nose and palate, freshness, big aromas, depth, very long, minerality, strong backbone, sweet fat tannin, and astonishing balance. Mind-boggling effort. 98-100p.
La Mission Haut Brion offered an incredibly aromatic, sensual, and sophisticated nose with black cherries, velvety all over, layers and layers of silky fruit and fat ripe tannin, extremely elegant and sophisticated, fabulous balance. Sublime wine. 96-97p.
Seguin was a great surprise for me. It was a great moment to experience such a fabulous nose of black cherries and so intense silky black fruit on the palate, combined with stunning balance and complexity. This is undoubtedly the best wine this property has ever made and a fantastic achievement. 95+p.
Domaine de Chevalier had fresh chocolate and cocoa powder flavors, blackberries, beautifully balanced, excellent acidity and length, and a persistent finish. Excellent effort for the vintage. 95p.
Haut Bailly had a superb nose of black cherries and blackberries with a hint of mocha. Excellently constructed, fine ripe tannin, strong structure, superb balance, and long aftertaste. Stupendous wine. 95p. Pape Clement was as excellent and silkier on the palate. 95p.
Haut Bergey and Smith Haut Lafitte impressed as well and were much in the style of Haut Bailly, only less concentrated. 94p.
La Louviere and Malartic La Graviere were strong and fleshy, packed with fresh black cherries, fine depth and structure, a superb balance between sweet fruit and fat tannins, and a firm aftertaste. 93p.
Carbonnieux, Les Carmes Haut Brion, and Picque Caillou had an intense nose with oak and black fruit, splendid depth and length, strong structure, meaty texture, and smooth aftertaste. Terrific effort for the vintage. 92p.
La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion offered violets, black fruit on the nose, a chewy palate with fat ripe tannins, and superb balance. Superb second wine. 91-93p.
Le Clarence de Haut Brion was more tannic and mineral, less intense than La Chapelle....91-92p.
Olivier and Latour Martillac offered splendid nose of ripe cherries, splendid depth, and intensity. Silky on the palate with splendid structure, fine length, and smooth aftertaste. Fine effort for both wines. 91p.
de Fieuzal, de France, and Rahoul presented catchy, aromatic, fresh wines with splendid length and balance. Firm aftertaste. 90p.
Lespault Martillac was impressed by flavorful nose, meaty texture, splendid minerality, and splendid concentration. 89-90p.
Bouscaut, Chantegrive, and Ferrande were pretty elegant, fruity wines with roundness and smooth aftertaste. 89p.
OK wine: Larrivet Haut Brion 86p.
Dry white wines:
Haut Brion blanc had intense aromas of pear, pineapple, and acacia flower, was formidably knitted together, had impeccable balance, stunning acidity and depth, and an extremely long aftertaste. Fantastic stuff. 97-99p.
Domaine de Chevalier was incredibly aromatic with lemon grass, pear, apple, and pineapple, extremely sophisticated, with fabulous acidity and depth long caressing aftertaste. This was an exceptional showing. 97-98p.
La Mission Haut Brion blanc offered fabulous intensity of citrus and pineapple supported by great acidity and balance, much freshness, sophisticated touch, and a long, long finish. Stunning wine. 95-96p. Haut Bergey did the unbelievable thing and performed as impressive La Mission Haut Brion white. A great surprise!
Smith Haut Lafitte was intense and rich on the nose, deep with pineapple and lemon grass. Great acidity on the palate with supporting fruit. Very stylish, with finesse and elegance. Great effort. 95p.
La Louviere, Pape Clement, and Latour Martillac followed in Smith Haut Lafitte's tracks with equally impressive wine, although more oaky in style. 94p.
Malartic La Graviere, Olivier, and Picque Caillou were intense and rich on the nose with pineapple and lemon grass and had great acidity on the palate with supporting fruit. Very stylish wines with finesse and elegance. Stunning efforts. Well-deserved 92p.
Larrivet Haut Brion and Rahoul showed much freshness, the fragrance of acacia flower, pear, and pineapple aroma, fine concentration on the palate, balance, and smooth aftertaste. Beautiful wines. 91p.
Ferrande, de Fieuzal, de France, and Lespault Martillac offered fine acidity, intensity, and structure. Nicely put together and with fine balance. Apple, pineapple, and pear. Very fine efforts from all four wines. 90-91p.
Bouscaut and Chantegrive offered too fine acidity, intensity, structure, balance, and freshness. Slightly less intense than these four wines mentioned above. 90p.
Carbonnieux brought fresh, aromatic, well-knitted wine with fine acidity and a firm finish. 89p.
La Clarte de Haut Brion (a blend of grapes not good enough for Haut Brion blanc and La Mission Haut Brion blanc) offered fresh and aromatic apple, grapefruit, and lemon peel aromas, attractive, round, and smooth approach. Tasty and very enjoyable. 88p.
MÉDOC
Greysac and La Tour de By were, again, great surprises. These underachievers made as impressive wines as in the 2009 vintage. Catchy and seductive nose of black fruit, quite deep and aromatic. Sappy and chewy on the palate, full-bodied, quite concentrated, persistent fruity aftertaste. Bravo! 91p.
HAUT-MÉDOC
La Tour Carnet had a sensual nose of chocolate, mocha, and black cherries. Plenty of sweet fruit and fat ripe tannin. Very long on the palate with a gracious and smooth aftertaste. Excellent effort for the vintage. 92-93p.
Camensac, Cantemerle and Lamarque impressed a lot. All three were very aromatic (ripe dark berries) on the nose, seductive, charming, intense, and delightfully balanced. Terrific length and gracious aftertaste. Splendid effort for the vintage. 92p.
Beaumont and Malescasse were also very fruity with seductive aromas, well-balanced and well-knitted. Quite a harmonious and smooth finish. 91p.
Belgrave, Citran, and Coufran offered a fragrant cherry nose, elegance, lovely structure, and charm. Sappy with a nice concentration on the palate. Delicate, smooth aftertaste 89p.
LISTRAC
Clarke and Fonreaud did great with plenty of tasty blueberries dipped in chocolate. Potent wines, robust and well-structured. Fine persistent aftertaste. Superb efforts for the district! 92p.
OK wines: Fourcas Dupre and Fourcas Hosten. Both rated 87p.
MOULIS
Chasse Spleen and Maucaillou offered excellent nose of black fruit with depth and intensity. Sappy and chewy on the palate, full-bodied and with a persistent fruity aftertaste. For Macaillou, it was a repeat of its great success in the 2009 vintage. Impressive! 92p.
Poujeaux was similar to Macauillou but seemed a slightly downscaled version of it. Nevertheless, a terrific effort here! 91-92p.
MARGAUX
Margaux is in this vintage epitome of elegance and sophisticated touch. You must adore the gracious style, perfectly ripe and silky fruit, and fat tannin in this wine, brought to marriage by exquisite balance. Angelic treat. 98-100p.
Palmer had a very seductive aroma of dark cherries, great intensity and big concentration, fat tannins, and a firm finish. A very stylish and sophisticated wine with both extreme elegance and power. Fabulous quality. 96-97p.
Labegorce was, for me, the best vintage for this property. Chocolate and black cherries, subtle and elegant, fresh, sweet fat tannins and sweet fruit, full-bodied, excellent structure, depth, and long finish. Very seductive wine and a sleeper of the vintage. 93-94p.
Rausan Segla offered a fabulously scented nose of black cherries and blueberries, deep and sophisticated, with a lot of strong tannin and oak. Long and firm aftertaste. Excellent work in the cellar. 93-94p.
Marquis d'Alesme, the first vintage made under supervision by Michel Rolland, was very oaky and had tons of tannin, great intensity of black fruit both on the nose and palate, great depth and length, but showed a bit too much extraction for my taste. Hopefully, it'll soften when in the bottle. 93+p.
Dauzac again tasted tremendously well from the barrel (I tend to adore this wine in every vintage when I taste it blind!), and 2010 isn't a fluke. Chocolate, mocha, dark cherries, seductive on the nose. Potent on the nose, elegant with spicy black fruit, robust and sappy. Superb long finish. 93p. Ferriere was as impressive as Dauzac with great style. 93p. Brane Cantenac, Cantenac Brown, and Kirwan made it together a superb quintet of impressive wines, seductive and heart-breaking. 93p.
Alter Ego and Pavillon Rouge were powerful wines with very aromatic ripe dark cherries, fat ripe tannin, well-knitted, harmonious, and with a long lingering aftertaste. 92-93p.
Malescot St.Exupery, Prieure Lichine, and Rauzan Gassies were tight and intense wines with dense structure, fine concentration of dark fruit, fat tannin, and harmonious and firm finish. 92-93p.
Monbrison and Siran were tight and intense with dense structure, fine concentration of dark fruit, fat tannin, and harmonious and firm finish. 92p.
D'Angludet impressed with a flowery nose (violets), Pretty good bite on the palate with silky fruit and tannin, subtle touch, finesse and elegance, and fine balance. 91-92p.
Durfort Vivens was subtle and elegant, with ripe berries and ripe tannin, round and smooth on the aftertaste. 91p.
Bellevue de Tayac showed the fine intensity of black fruit with fresh flavors, silky tannins, splendid depth, length, fine balance, and a firm finish. Splendid wine for the vintage. 89-90p.
Lascombes offered silky dark fruit, oak, nice concentration, depth, and fine balance. It tasted a bit too light to impress. 88p.
Desmirail was pretty wine with aromatic nose, elegant and harmonious on the palate, lingering aftertaste. 87-88p.
OK wine: Marquis de Terme. 87p.
SAINT-JULIEN
Beychevelle was a pretty aromatic and subtle wine, full-bodied. Splendid aftertaste with a lot of flavors. Graceful and stylish. Stupendous wine and better than the 2009 version. 93p. Gruaud Larose followed in tracks of Beychevelle. 93p.
Branaire, Leovile Barton, and Leoville Poyferre were tannic, intense, and long on the palate, with plenty of aromatic black berries well-structured, harmonious, and firm finish. Superb showing. 92-93p.
Talbot was too tannic and long on the palate with plenty of aromatic black berries well-structured, harmonious and firm finish, but with less concentration and intensity. 92p.
Lagrange and Langoa Barton were intense on the nose with blackberries, good grip on the palate, and nice fruit and aftertaste. Very nice wines. 88p.
OK wines: Gloria and Saint-Pierre 87p.
PAUILLAC
Latour was multidimensional in every "corner", silky in fruit and tannins with exquisite balance. Incredibly complex, with awesome depth, exquisite richness, balance, and length. Wonderful stuff. Tasted twice. 98-100p.
Mouton Rothschild had a sublime touch, sophisticated and elegant style, and a long finish. As wonderful as Latour. 98-100p.
Lafite was strong, extremely tannic, and concentrated, long with iron rock structure and mega long aftertaste. One of the best wines in the vintage. 97-99p.
Pontet Canet had an extremely aromatic and intense nose with black sweet cherries, strong structure, excellent balance, and stunning length. It was sophisticated and nuanced. Less concentrated than in 2009, but still an awesome effort! 96p.
Pichon Baron was strong and intense on the nose and palate, with plenty of black cherries, excellent acidity and length, and a long finish. Excellent stuff. 95-96p.
Grand Puy Lacoste and Lynch Bages showed chocolate, dark cherries, a big aromatic nose, excellent length, and excellent balance. Superb long finish. Stunning effort. 94-95p.
Pichon Comtesse followed closely after Grand Puy Lacoste and Lynch Bages. 94p.
Haut Bages Liberal was seductively aromatic, full-bodied, and had a strong backbone. Persistent aftertaste. A lot of style and terroir here. 93p.
Clerc Milon showed big concentration and strong structure, tight and intense on the palate, sappy and long finish. Superb wine. 92-93p.
D'Armailhac and Grand Puy Ducasse followed closely after Clerc Milon but were more elegant and rounder. 92p. Talbot was also similar to Clerc Milon but slightly less concentrated. 92p.
Duhart Milon was tannic and unwilling to "speak" but promised a rounder and more charming shape later on. 91-93p.
Croizet Bages, Lynch Moussas, and Le Petit Mouton showed fine intensity and concentration of dark fruit, fat tannin, tight structure, fine balance, and firm finish. Splendid wines. 91-92p.
Pibran was a big surprise for me and displayed a fruity nose of black cherries, fine intensity, bite and balance, and a smooth finish. 91p.
Les Forts de Latour offered aromatic intensity, chocolaty flavors, ripe berries, fine concentration, depth, and finish. Silky tannin and long aftertaste. Fine quality, indeed. 90-92p.
Carruaders de Lafite and Les Tourelles de Longueville offered strong, well-knitted wines with a lot of oak and tannin on the palate, plenty of blackcurrants, and a firm aftertaste. 90-91p.
Batailley had fine aroma of black fruit, freshness, good acidity, fine balance, and smooth aftertaste. 90p.
Pauillac de Chateau Latour offered good concentration, grip, balance, and smooth aftertaste. Good for 3rd wine. 88p.
SAINT-ÉSTEPHE
Montrose was a tannic and oaky monster with huge quantities of black fruit, fat ripe tannin, excellent depth, and extreme length. This wine has exceptional potential. 96-97p.
Lafon Rochet had a pretty intense nose of mocha, splendid intensity of black fruit, fine balance, and sweetly persistent aftertaste. Superb effort. 92p.
Haut Marbuzet, Les Ormes de Pez, and Phelan Segur brilliantly showed aromatic intensity, chocolaty flavors, ripe berries, fine concentration, depth, and finish. 91-92p.
Cos Labory and Tronquoy Lalande were strong with earthy spices, a lot of oak and tannin, and substantial depth and length. 91p.
Dame de Montrose was impressive for a second wine to be. Slightly alcoholic, but overall it was round, with tasty dark fruit, smooth, silky, and elegant. 90p. De Pez was tannic with a fine concentration of black cherries, freshness, and fine length. 90p.
SAINT-ÉMILION
Ausone had plenty of chocolate and dark cherries with silky tannins, was sensual, fleshy, very sophisticated, mega long on the palate with fat ripe tannins and perfect balance. Extraordinary stuff. 98-99p.
Pavie was strong and sappy like a bear with impeccable depth, balance, and aftertaste. A strong backbone and excellent structure back up lots of ripe fruit and tannin. Sublime and sophisticated. Modern style, but who cares. This is heavenly stuff. 98p. Tasted twice – consistent notes.
Bellevue Mondotte and Pavie Decesse were two blockbusters with immense fruit quality and fat ripe tannin on the palate, strong backbone, plenty of sweet ripe berries expertly supported by new oak, great length and depth, exquisite balance and immense aftertaste. Incredible stuff from the "twins". 97-98p.
Cheval Blanc presented silky and distinguished wine, extraordinarily well-knitted, with plenty of perfectly ripe fruit, silky ripe tannins, pure elegance, finesse, and sophisticated touch, combined with excellent balance and a long smooth finish. Simply exceptional. 97-98p.
Valandraud was a seamless, long, deep, exquisite blend of black cherries and chocolate, sophisticated touch, sweet fat tannins, impeccable balance, and a long caressing finish. Sublime stuff and the best wine ever made here. 97p.
La Mondotte was very complex and sophisticated, lot of stuffing, a perfect blend of cherries and milk chocolate, fresh, superb balance, and a long aftertaste. 96-97p. Excellent stuff.
Angelus did fabulously well in 2010, exceeding effort in the 2009 vintage. Packed with plenty of black cherries with a strong backbone, concentration, fatness, opulence, depth, and length on the palate. Excellent wine. 96p.
Tertre Roteboeuf had a lot of chocolate and black fruit, more tannin and oak than usual, powerful on the palate, and a long aftertaste. Not quite a sensual wine in this vintage, but still of great quality. 95-96p.
La Confession offered kirsch on the nose and was packed with perfectly ripe fruit, well-balanced and with a very long aftertaste. A bit too overwhelming for my taste. 95p.
Troplong Mondot was very concentrated and tannic, full-bodied, sweet fruit and tannin, superbly balanced and with great length. 95p. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Beau-Séjour Becot and Monbousquet had a strong intensity of black fruit, splendid acidity, freshness, delicate balance, and smooth finish. Well deserved 94 p for both wines.
From the same owner as Clos L'Eglise, Barde Haut showed fine and precise winemaking with chocolate, mocha on the nose, a powerful and complex palate, superb balance, depth, and persistent finish. Impressive wine. 93-94p.
Belair-Monange had a strong backbone and intensity, powerful tannin, full-bodied on the palate, and a very long aftertaste. This property is very close to fulfilling its potential. 93-94p.
Canon and Canon-La-Gaffeliere had also impressed with superbly made wines, fresh, well-balanced, splendid acidity, and great finish. 93-94p. Clos Fourtet, La Gaffeliere, and Trottevieille did accordingly. 93-94p.
La Fleur Cardinale showed different styles, softer and more elegant than the wines mentioned above, but had the same excellent quality. 93-94p. Larcis Ducasse had a splendid nose of wild cherries and great intensity. Very concentrated, strong structure, ripe tannins, long aftertaste. Excellent wine. 93-94p.
La Dominique impressed with the great intensity of aromatic cherry fruit, depth, big "clothes" and strongly structured on the palate, and with perfect balance. A strong effort for the vintage. 93+p.
Moulin St.Georges had a great nose and palate full of ripe blackberries and wild cherries, strong tannin, structure, and length. Stupendous wine. 93p.
Chapelle d'Ausone and La Couspaude were intense on the nose with plenty of black fruit, strong backbone, splendid length on the palate, and smooth finish. La Couspaude was modern in style. 92-93p.
Beauséjour was very tannic and oaky but with much fruit waiting to come out in daylight. Once this wine gets the balance, it'll be superb. 92+p.
Corbin repeatedly offered black cherries enjoying a bath in milk chocolate, excellent balance, and subtle and stylish wine. Sublime and seductive stuff. Best wine from this property. 92p. La Serre was as seductive as Corbin. 92p.
Figeac appeared as closed as Beauséjour. 92p.
Corbin Michotte, Magdelaine, and PavieMacquin were different sculptures, oaky and tannic, especially the latter very ripe. 92p.
Clos de L'Oratoire and de Fonbel offered a fine nose of cherries, seductive style, splendid balance, elegance, and smooth caressing aftertaste. 91-92p. Simard was more tannic and oaky but as well-made. 91-92p.
La Tour du Pin was silky, intense on the nose, well-balanced, with fine structure and smooth aftertaste. 91p.
Clos des Baies, Haut Simard, and Petit Cheval showed sweet fruit and tannin, a significant aroma of black cherries, delicate balance, and smooth aftertaste. Well-deserved 90-91p.
Cap de Mourlin, Dassault, and Larmande showed sweet fruit, strong and fatty tannin, some oak, fine balance, and a firm finish. 90p.
Berliquet and Franc Mayne presented well-made wine with splendid ripe fruit and balance. 89-90p.
Balestard La Tonnelle was just a little behind Berliquet and Franc Mayne, although it had less intensity and more apparent alcohol. 89p.
La Tour Figeac showed an aromatic nose of cherries, gentle use of oak, quite well-knitted palate, tasty black fruit, and smooth aftertaste. 88-89p.
Puy Blanquet had nice silky fruit and tannin, round, lovely structure and balance. 88p.
OK wine: Domaine des Gourdins. 87p.
POMEROL
VVC was fantastic, with a sublime nose of chocolate mixed with beautiful black cherries, violets, a silky palate filled with black cherries, and astonishing richness, balance, and structure. Much better than 2009 and even better than 2005. In the top five wines of the vintage! 99-100p.
Petrus obtained 14.5% alcohol, yielded 35 hl/ha, and was harvested between 27th September and 2nd October. An incredibly complex wine, refined, silky, and sophisticated on the palate, more than 30 seconds long finish. Exceptional stuff, but I think 2009 was richer and deeper than 2010. It can, however, change with age. 98-99p.
Le Pin did nearly as fantastic as VCC and had this lovely kinky touch, missing in recent vintages. 97-99p.
Lafleur had a solid backbone, dark cherries covered by Valrhona chocolate, strong ripe tannin, seamless, and a long aftertaste. Better than 2009? 2009 has the edge for now, but it can change with age. 97-99p.
La Croix St.Georges was powerful with much black fruit and tannin, excellent balance, depth, length, and persistent aftertaste. Despite 14.5 alcohol by volume, you couldn't feel it. As stunning as 2009. 96-97p.
Trotanoy was extremely concentrated, rock solid with an iron structure, power, excellent intensity, great length, and acidity. Awesome effort. 96-97p.
La Violette enchanted with, guess what.... violets! Reminded a lot of Le Gay but was more precise in fruit and had more nuances. Awesome stuff. 96-97p.
La Conseillante appeared elegant with finesse, black cherries and grated chocolate, wonderful balance, violets, and a sophisticated and refined palate. Excellent effort. 96p. Le Gay showed many chocolate and sweet tannins perfectly integrated with sweet ripe fruit, excellent balance, and rich nuances. Great stuff. 96p.
Clos L'Eglise exposed excellent structure, classy style and sophisticated touch, exquisite balance, and high-end chocolate flavor in this wine. 95p.
I did taste Bourgneuf three times on separate occasions, and it performed equally fabulous every time. Chocolate and truffles on the nose, powerful structure, great depth, richness, strong backbone, packed with black cherries and fat tannin on the palate. Extremely well-made wine. 94+p.
Bon Pasteur was full-bodied with a strong backbone, oaky, plenty of ripe fruit and tannin everywhere, splendid balance, structure, and significant flavor of violet. Superbly made in modern style. 93-94p. Clinet was softer, more elegant, and with more finesse than Bon Pasteur. Different style. Also, superb wine here. 93-94p.
Latour-a-Pomerol tasted a bit stronger and had, imho slightly better structure and slightly bigger depth than Lafleur Petrus. Excellent effort as well. 93-94p.
Lafleur Petrus was big, strong, and fresh, with a lot of black fruit and fat tannin, fine balance, and a long aftertaste. Excellent wine. 93-94p.
Certan de May reminded me much of Bourgneuf but had less concentration and richness. Splendid effort. 92-94p.
Cantelauze had walls of tannin for all the money and very concentrated fruit. It will take this wine quite some years to soften. 92-93p. Gazin and La Pointe had wonderful cherry noses, were distinctive and well-knitted on the palate, and had fine concentration, structure, and length. Fine wines. 92-93p.
Sacre Coeur, made by Jean-Philippe Janoueix of La Confession fame from the rented vineyard, was tight, strong, concentrated, oaky, with obvious kirsch on the nose, and well-balanced. 100% Merlot. Great effort. 92-93p.
La Cabanne did great in 2010. A seductive aroma of black cherries and cocoa powder on the nose, splendid harmony between fruit and fat tannin, quite powerful on the palate, silky, elegant, and long smooth aftertaste. This is the best wine for ages from this property. 92p. Petit Village doesn't normally impress me that much, but 2010 greatly surprised me. Much in the style of La Cabanne and same fine quality. Maybe we are seeing a revival of Petit Village – this property has one of the best soil conditions in Pomerol. La Providence differed from LC and PV, with more oak and dryness, and had the same build and flavors. Fine potential here as well. 92p.
Montviel was made in 2010 only from a 3 ha parcel near Clinet. Very aromatic cherry flavor, fresh, powerful, intense, and long - the best wine this property has ever produced. 91-92p.
Pensées de Lafleur offered sweet chocolate fruit perfectly integrated with fat, sweet tannin, and a long finish. Stupendous effort. 90-92p. Taillefer made splendid wine in 2010 – best in a long time. Very seductive, with a lovely nose of violets, sweet tannin, and a long, smooth aftertaste. Well-deserved 90-92p.
La Grave, Haut Maillet, Lafleur Gazin, and Le Moulin had a pretty intense nose of black fruit, silky tannins, fine acidity, and a very smooth aftertaste. A fine effort from all four wines. 90-91p.
Bonalgue, Bellegrave, La Fleur de Gay, and Rouget were intense on the nose, tight, aromatic, dark berries, nice velvety finish, and oak very well integrated with the fruit. Well-deserved 90p here.
Clos de Beau Pere had fine cherry fruit on the nose, ripe tannins, and beautifully balanced. With more depth, it would be a killer wine. 89-90p. Feytit Clinet was oaky, powerful, and harmonious. 89-90p. Manoir de Gay appeared gentle, soft, round, well-balanced, and seductive. 89-90p.
Duo de Conseillante reminded me a lot of Manoir de Gay. Fayat was more in the style of Feytit Clinet, while Plincette had a mix of both styles. Seductive and charming, all three. 89p.
Beauregard and La Croix de Gay performed well with cherry aromas, a nice structure, and a velvety finish. 88p.
OK wines: Domaine de L'Eglise, Plince, and Vieux Maillet, all three 87p.
BORDEAUX/BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR/PREMIÈRES CÔTES DE BORDEAUX
20 Mille from Jean-Philippe Janouiex (La Confession) is 100% Merlot wine. Meaty and concentrated wine, kirsch aromas with fat tannins, well-balanced and long aftertaste. 90-91p.
La Croix Mouton and Le Conseillier from the same winemaker as 20 Mille showed very well with fresh cherry flavors, were well-knitted with ripe tannins and nice balance, and had a smooth aftertaste. Intelligent winemaking. 90p.
G de Guinaudeau and Grand Village from the owner of Lafleur charmed their way with sweet fruit and tannin, delightful and seductive, nice minerality, and chocolate flavor. 89p.
Pavillon Blanc de Margaux impressed a lot. Very intense flavors of pineapple and grapefruit, excellent acidity and minerality, freshness, precise fruit, and long aftertaste. 93-94p.
Aile d'Argent, Monbousquet white, and Valandraud blanc nr.1 had splendid acidity, freshness, the aroma of lemon and acacia, a lot of finesse, and persistent aftertaste. Great effort from all three wines. 92p.
Grand Village white impressed with an aromatic nose of apricot, pineapple, pear, roundness, and a seductive approach. 90p.
OK wines: Plaisance and Thieuley Reserve F.C. 87p.
Roc de Cambes was powerful, strong, and intense on the nose with chocolate and black cherries, with a lot of big, fat, and ripe tannin. Everything was in great balance. Stupendous effort. 93p.
CÔTES DE CASTILLON
Clos les Lunelles from Gerard Perse's portfolio greatly impressed with intensely aromatic and tasty dark berries, silky tannin, strong structure, fine length, and splendid balance. Great effort, indeed. 92p.
Veyry provided aromatic black cherries, tight structure, fine balance, and a fine finish. Extremely seductive wine. 90-91p.
D'Aiguilhe offered nice black cherries, splendid structure, balance, and a smooth aftertaste. Very seductive wine. 89-90p.
FRONSAC/CANON-FRONSAC
Dalem was intense on the nose and palate with black fruit. Fine support for the fruit by fat and strong tannin. Superb structure and long aftertaste. Very fine effort. 91-92p.
CarlMagnus, Moulin Haut Laroque, and de La Riviere had chocolate nose filled with black cherries. Silky and seductive on the palate, well-balanced, and with a smooth finish. 90-91p.
Fontenil showed a more modern style, extracted fruit on the verge of overmaturity but kept its balance. 90-91p.
Barrabaque and Chadene were superbly made wines with an intensely aromatic nose, splendid balance, great purity of fruit, elegance, and finesse. 90p.
La Dauphine was of the same fine quality with a hint of mocha and fresh acidity. Du Gaby showed more extraction and tannin than La Dauphine. Both wines were rewarded with 90p.
Haut Carles and La Vieille Cure had fine intensity, structure, and a long finish. Plenty of ripe blackberries. Very well-made. 89-90p.
LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
L'Ambroisie du Chateau La Croix des Moines brought large amounts of silky, aromatic, tasty fruit, elegance and finesse, nice acidity, length, and structure. Splendid effort. 90-91p.
Domaine des Sabines showed a very enchanting nose of black fruit, elegance, seductive touch, and long aftertaste. Superb one. 89-90p.
Domaine de Gachet, Grand Ormeau, Siaurac, and Tournefeuille offered a deep aromatic nose of black cherries, chocolate, well-knitted build, splendid ripe tannin, and persistent aftertaste. Superb wines. 89p.
La Graviere from the owner of Le Gay and La Violette was almost as superb as Grand Ormeau, Siaurac, and Tournefeuille. 88-89p.
La Sergue was powerful and well-structured, with nice ripe fruit and tannin. 88p
Tasting of 30 wines from the 2010 vintage in Copenhagen on the 31st of August 2011
D'Aiguilhe 2010 - offered nice black cherries, splendid structure, balance, and smooth aftertaste. Very seductive wine. 90p.
D'Armailhac 2010 - more elegant and rounder version of Clerc Milon. 92p.
Beauregard 2010 - showed well with cherry aromas, very good structure, and fine, velvety finish. Gained more concentration since April 2011. 89p.
Beychevelle 2010 - as impressive as during primeur week. Pretty aromatic and subtle wine, full-bodied. Splendid aftertaste with a lot of flavors. Graceful and stylish. Stupendous wine. 93p.
Branaire 2010 - intense black fruit on the nose, tannic, intense, and long on the palate with plenty of aromatic black berries, well-structured, harmonious, and firm finish. Superb showing. 92-93p.
Camensac 2010 - impressed a lot. Very aromatic, ripe dark berries on the nose, seductive, charming, intense, and delightfully balanced. Terrific length and gracious aftertaste. Splendid effort for the vintage. 92p.
Cantemerle 2010 - as impressive as Camensac. 92p.
Chasse Spleen 2010 - offered an excellent nose of black fruit with depth and intensity. Sappy and chewy on the palate, full-bodied and with a persistent fruity aftertaste. Great effort. 92p.
La Clemence 2010 - strong, tannic wine with a robust structure, fine depth, and firm finish. Well-balanced. 91p.
Clerc Milon 2010 - showed big concentration and strong structure, tight and intense on the palate, sappy and long finish. Superb wine. 92-93p.
Clos L'Oratoire 2010 - offered a fine nose of cherries, seductive style, splendid balance, elegance, and smooth caressing aftertaste. 91-92p
Coutet 2010 - offered an intense flavor of acacia honey, orange peel, and pear, a great combination of sweetness and acidity, a superb concentration of candied fruits on the palate, and a smooth finish. Great elegance and style. It gained for sure more intensity and concentration since primeur week. 93p.
Destieux 2010 - strong and sappy wine, ripe and tasty blackberries, fine balance, and long finish. Delightful wine. 92p.
Domaine de Chevalier red 2010 - as impressive as during primeur week. Fresh chocolate and cocoa powder flavors, blackberries, beautifully balanced, excellent acidity and length, and persistent finish. Excellent effort for the vintage. 95+p.
Domaine de Chevalier white 2010 - was incredibly aromatic with lemon grass, pear, apple, and pineapple, extremely sophisticated, with fabulous acidity and depth, long caressing aftertaste. Exceptional showing! 97-98p.
Ferriere 2010 - chocolate, mocha, dark cherries, seductive on the nose. Potent on the nose, elegant with spicy black fruit, robust and sappy. Superb long finish. Great effort for the vintage. 93p.
Giscours 2010 - barrel sample in April 2011 needed to be revised, but the one presented in Copenhagen did really impress. Sappy in with excellent balance, rich, strong, long finish, perfectly ripe fruit. Combined in great way power and elegance. 95p.
Grand Puy Lacoste 2010 - as impressive as in April 2011.Big aromatic nose, excellent length, and excellent balance. Superb long finish. Stunning effort. 94-95p.
Haut Bages Liberal 2010 - was seductively aromatic, full-bodied, and had a strong backbone. Persistent aftertaste. Excellent wine. 93p.
Haut Bailly 2010 - had a superb nose of black cherries and blackberries with a hint of mocha. Excellently constructed, fine ripe tannin, strong structure, superb balance, and long aftertaste. Even a bit more impressive than in April 2011. 96p.
D'Issan 2010 - wasn't tasted during primeur week. In Copenhagen, it showed strength, chocolate, perfect balance, excellent depth, long finish, and, like Giscours, a great combination of power and elegance. 94p.
Lagrange 2010 - improved significantly since primeur week. Intense on the nose with blackberries, good palate grip, splendid fruit, and a fine aftertaste. 89-90p.
Larrivet Haut Brion 2010 red - pretty elegant, fruity wine with roundness and fine smooth aftertaste. Improved considerably since primeur week. 89p.
Larrivet Haut Brion 2010 white - showed much freshness, fine aromas of acacia flower, pear, and pineapple, fine concentration on the palate, balance, and smooth aftertaste. Lovely wine. 91p.
Lascombes 2010 - showed much better than during primeur week. Much more intensity and concentration, better balance, more power, and a longer finish. 91-92p.
Latour Martillac red 2010 - offered an attractive nose of ripe cherries, splendid depth, and intensity. Silky on the palate with fine structure, fine length, and smooth aftertaste. 91p.
Latour Martillac white 2010 - was intense and rich on the nose, deep with pineapple and lemon grass. Great acidity on the palate with supporting fruit. Very stylish, with finesse and elegance. Great effort. 95p.
Leoville Poyferre 2010 - intense black fruit on the nose, tannic, intense, and long on the palate with plenty of aromatic black berries, well-structured, harmonious, and firm finish. It gained more depth and concentration since primeur tasting. 93p.
Montrose 2010 - softened a little since April 2011, with huge quantities of ripe tannin, black fruit, fat ripe tannin, excellent depth, and extreme length. This wine has exceptional potential. 96-97p.
Phelan Segur 2010 - showed brilliantly with aromatic intensity, chocolaty flavors, ripe berries, fine concentration, depth, and finish. 91-92p.
Pontet Canet 2010 - had an extremely aromatic and intense nose with sweet black cherries, strong structure, excellent balance, and stunning length. It was sophisticated and nuanced. It hasn't changed since April 2011 and still is a bit less concentrated than in 2009. It could take more weight when in the bottle. Awesome effort, indeed. 96p.
Talbot 2010 - was similar to Clerc Milon but slightly less concentrated. Splendid effort. 92p.
du Tertre 2010 - bad barrel sample in April 2011, but in Copenhagen, this wine tasted brilliantly. Strong and powerful, excellent bite, rich, elegant, and long on the palate, excellent structure. Stunning effort. 94-95p.