Bordeaux 2009 vs. 2010 - Check in on 50 well known Chateaux

Tasted Friday, May 2, 2014 by Collector1855 with 8,184 views

Introduction

2009 and 2010 are two Bordeaux vintages with very high accolades. I have tasted 2000 and 2005 young and was also impressed by these vintages. However, when I tasted the 09/10 at the arrivage I found that the quality has gone up even more, especially in comparison to 2000. Thanks to the high profitability of the Bordeaux Chateaux, there has been a lot of investment the last 10 years, luckily not only in shiny buildings but also in cellar equipment and viticulture. Foliage management, green harvest, parcel vinification is now the standard at all serious estates. Against this backdrop I felt the need to host a tasting of some leading 09/10 to see how they are doing young in the bottle. Is 2009 really drinkable at any stage? Is 2010 too tannic to touch? Which one is better and what are the stylistic/aromatic differences were questions we tried to answer. The event took place on May 2, 2014

Flight 1 (4 Notes)

  • 2009 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Oh wow! Can a Bordeaux be anymore sexy? I am more of a left bank guy admittedly, but this is just impossible to spit. Medium-dark ruby with purple hue. Expressive nose of black fruit, chocolate, toasted oak and licorice, ripe but not overripe. On the palate there is fruit again, well balanced with enough acidity, some spices and the right amount of tannins, a bit generous on the oak though. Almost too easy going today but already with good complexity. 94-95

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  • 2010 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Just when I thought it was impossible to beat the sexy 2009 this wine came along. I like it even more. Dark purple. The expressive aromas are more in the black fruit, cassis space with less overtness but more depth and length than the 09. Layers and layers of fruit with big but silky tannins, deep and brooding. The CabFranc and CabSav together with the Bordeaux soil make this a dense and complex wine. Even drinkable now, especially if you are used to Napa wines. I can't wait to see how this ages. Wow, especially at this price! 96-97

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  • 2009 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Very dark purple. Muted nose, opening up after 1h. Aromas of dark fruit with pine tree, cassis and a hint of violets and toast. On the palate dense, soft and round but aromatically very primary. This will be a great, succulent Pichon Baron but my guess is that it will be eclipsed by the 2010 for greater aromatic depth and precision. A very strong showing. The tasting group found the Pichon Baron difficult to assess due to the closed nature of the CabSav led Pauillac versus the Merlots at this stage. (Group Score 95.2/RP98)

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  • 2010 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Very dark purple. Muted nose. Aromas of dark fruit with pine tree, cassis and some violets, dark cherry and plum. The aroma profile is similar to the 09 but there is less toast but more dark fruits. On the palate this is very dense and deep with lots of fruit, acidity and tannins. Everything seems compressed and presence in abundance but all in balance (ripe but not overripe, fresh but not too acidic, tannic but not too astringent). No doubt this will be one of the all time great Pichon Barons. Very reductive now, wait until 2025. The tasting group found the Pichon Baron difficult to assess due to the closed nature of the CabSav led Pauillac versus the Merlots at this stage. (Group Score 94.8/RP97)

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Flight 2 (4 Notes)

  • 2009 Les Forts de Latour 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Very dark purple. Nose of dark fruit with a distinctive earthy, foresty and animalic touch, quite different to the Leo Poyferre tasted along side who is stressing the fruit much more. On the palate dense and balanced. What can I say, complex, brooding, animalic Latour style – beginner palates no need to apply. While the price of this wine has unfortunately gone up by a lot (2009 no less than tripled vs. 2000 release price) to be fair, I must say that the quality has gone up too. This is now performing in the league of grand cru Pauillacs / St.Julien. I preferred the 2010 for its noticeably bigger mid palate which set it apart from all Les Forts I ever had. (Group Score 94.1/RP95)

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  • 2010 Les Forts de Latour 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Very dark purple. Reserved nose that needs quite some coaxing. The detectable aromas are in the area of dark berries, cassis with some earthy tones. On the palate this is extremely pure and compressed. Very precise but really closed. The tannins are first class though. This is the best Les Forts I have ever tasted and has a lot of potential. It feels as strong as a young Latour grand vin of a lesser vintage (01/02) if not better. I am very interested to see this through to maturity. Sadly the price fully reflects the quality here as well. This had the lowest score of the group, not really a surprise given its closedness. Latour, what can you say... 96-97 (Group Score 93.8/RP97)

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  • 2009 Château La Conseillante 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Dark purple. Discrete nose of dark and red fruit with the typical 2009 nose of toast, cedar wood, chocolate and a hint of earth. On the palate quite closed not revealing lots of aromas but soft. The finish is not particularly long today. I would put this in the “good but not great” bucket, which clearly is not enough given the 250$ retail price. It came in second last in the group in which several La Conseillante lovers were present. Part of that is though that this wine was more closed than others and therefore not yet delivered on the hedonistic front. (Group Score 94.0/RP96)

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  • 2010 Château La Conseillante 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Very dark purple. Reserved nose of blue fruit, toast, chocolate. As a matter of fact, quite linear Merlot at this time due to its reductiveness. On the palate medium bodied with quite pronounced acidity. Difficult to assess due to its closeness. Mid mouth fill is better than the 09. I have seen La Conseillante being in this sleepy phase and then 10-15 later opening up and delivering a greatly aromatic wine. I am quite confident this will take the same road and then may even ad a point or two. 94-96 (Group Score 95.4/RP96)

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Flight 3 (4 Notes)

  • 2009 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Medium-dark purple. Discrete nose of cigar box, toast, leather, mocha/chocolate and some oak. Initially far too new world and oaky/toasty but that blew away the longer the bottle was open. On the palate soft and caressing but with chocolate and vanilla notes in the foreground, medium bodied, quite elegant. (Group Score 95.7/RP95)

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  • 2010 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Dark purple. Discrete nose of red fruit, cedar wood, mocha, vanilla and toasted oak, very similar to the 2009. On the palate a bit denser and fresher than the 09, with soft tannins and good fruit as well. I prefer this to the 09. At the same time this is as well a bit too toasty for me. Let’s see how this integrates when it gets older. It did well with the group though (Group Score 96.1/RP95)

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  • 2009 Château Troplong Mondot 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Very dark purple. Nose of cloves spices, oak and red, dark fruit and marmalade. Complex and opulent but no overripe tones. Full throttle on the palate while soft and round at the same time. This is very flattering/drinkable and did well with the group who concluded that in Bordeaux’s top Merlot league (Ausone, Petrus & Co.) this together with Canon La Gaffeliere remain the best priced wines and where the smart money will go. (Group score 96.2/RP99)

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  • 2010 Château Troplong Mondot 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Very dark purple. Just when you thought the 2009 was impressive this monster came along. Extremely ripe but at the same time aromatically deep with notes of dark fruit, plum, caramel, licorice and some minty notes, an true explosion of flavors. Lots of “aahs” and “oohs” on the table… On the palate, fresh and silkily tannic with layers and layers of fruit. Wow, much better than the 2009 and a great future ahead. Downright impressive left many speechless at the table. Of course you have to like mass to enjoy this wine but it is rare to see that much mass with that much aroma, I guess that is the hallmark of 2010. (WOTN #3 /Group Score 98.3/RP99)

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Flight 4 (4 Notes)

  • 2009 Château Léoville Poyferré 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Dark purple. Discrete nose of cassis, red and black fruit with a hint of flowers. On the palate fruity precise and fresh, wood stays in the background. Very balanced and very well crafted. This can go places, needs time though. Compared to the other wines, especially the Merlot the Leo Poyferre came across as almost light. That’s typical St. Julien though, once mature it will shine with its elegance 96+ (Group Score 95.9/RP100)

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  • 2010 Château Léoville Poyferré 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Dark purple. Reserved nose of red fruit, cedar wood, spices, quite elegant reminiscent of Lafite. Not nearly as blue-fruit-brooding like Latour or Montrose for example. On the palate medium bodied and completely closed. Tannins are very soft though. This needs time but will for sure be a benchmark St.Julen. Will it beat the 2009 or the awesome 2010 Leo Barton? We will see. 96+ (Group Score 96.3/RP98)

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  • 2009 Château Pavie 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Black core with purple rim. Reserved nose of blue fruit, toast, violets and some pine tree. On the palate extremely concentrated with tannins but unfortunately on the drying side, aromas also need coaxing. The good thing is that it does not smell oxidative upon opening. However after 2h of aeration oxidative notes (sherry) started to appear. It will be interesting to see what this will turn into. My 2000 Pavies have not particularly aged well. Could be a hit or miss. Let’s see. 92-96? To my surprise this did well with the group (Group Score 97.4/RP100)

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  • 2010 Château Pavie 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Black core with purple rim. Just when you thought the 09 is the peak of brutality comes this monster. Aroma profile is a bit different. Reserved nose of blue fruit, meat, forest, tar and some OZ Shiraz notes of torrefaction (Torbreck Run Rig comes to my mind). On the palate extremely concentrated with again tannins on the drying side, aromas also need coaxing. There is even an ever so slight oxidative side, just like the 09. Again, it will be interesting to see what this will turn into. 95? To my surprise the group ratet this very high as well. (WOTN #5, Group Score 97.6/RP98)

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Flight 5 (4 Notes)

  • 2009 Château Angélus 97 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Dark purple. Complex nose of dark fruit, sweet spices, coffee and a touch of toast. On the palate very soft and succulent but with good freshness. Outstanding balance of sweetness and freshness for a 2009 right banker. I guess it is the Cab Franc that did the job here. Very well done, a great Angelus and a great right bankers by any standard. As for style, the 09 has more coffee/toast aromas while the 10 is more in the blue fruit spectrum. (Group Score 96.2/RP99)

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  • 2010 Château Angélus 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Very dark purple, black core. Complex nose of dark fruit, licorice, black berry, dark cherry, much more in the blue spectrum vs. the 2009 which has a bit more of a roasty note and is more drinkable today. On the palate very compact and dense but as all the top 2010 with extra freshness. Tannins are silky and the overall balance good despite the massive proportions. You just have to like the more of everything style of the 2010 vintage. I think if this adds the secondary aromas and complexity it will be a hard act to beat. The tannins are strong but of such good quality that you can actually drink this today as crazy as this sounds (unlike the 2000/2005 in their early stages) but if you want to experience the full potential I think 2020 onwards makes more sense. 98-100 (WOTN #4 /Group Score 98.0/RP98)

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  • 2009 Château Montrose 100 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    Very dark purple. Reserved nose of cassis, eucalyptus, forest floor and a whiff of toast. Not overripe at all and not as roasty/toasty as most 09 (especially rival Cos). This has really preserved a lot of freshness. All in all very fine and dense with unusually silky tannins for a St.Estephe. Aromas are complex with black fruit, cassis, forest and flowers as well as spices. Power in a velvet glove, combining density, elegance, freshness and profound aromatics. No doubt in my mind this will be one of the all time great Montrose (and will be able to take on any of the 1er Crus) just like the 1989 and 1990. No one disliked this wine at the table. Fantastic, wine doesn’t get any better than this - only different! (WOTN #1/ Group Score 98.6/RP100)

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  • 2010 Château Montrose 99 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    Very dark purple. Reserved nose of dark fruit, cut hey, black tea and forest floor. A bit more barnyardy than the 2009. As a matter of fact this strongly recalls Chateau Latour from its aromatic profile. On the palate dense and tannic but not over extracted or drying as the Pavie for example. Needs more time than the 2009 but is just as impressive. I am also sure here that this will be one of the greatest Montrose ever and can take on any of the 1ers when it is ready. Given its closedness even more compelling that this came out as the runner up against all the already flattering Merlots. Wow! 99-100. (WOTN #2 / Group Score 98.4/RP99)

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Flight 6 - 2009 and 2010 I tasted next to each other at a subsequent date (30 Notes)

  • 2009 Château Pontet-Canet 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Consistent to my previous tasting note: Dark purple. Expressive nose of kirsch, red fruit, fruit compote and rum. Very alcoholic at the beginning but it did settle down after 1h decanting. Still, rather "hot & southern" and not enough Medoc typicity for my taste. On the palate medium bodied and well structured but aromatically not very deep as unfortunately most Pontet Canet came across in a recent vertical. Hence, another wine in the category "solid" but quite a step away from great (and far from being a 100 pointer). 92-94

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  • 2010 Château Pontet-Canet 97 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Consistent with my previous tasting note. Most Pontet Canet did really mediocre in a recent vertical (big, ripe initial show but little aromatic depth) except this one which was utterly impressive. TN: Dark ruby, very clean and clear, shiny look but not as dense as many 2010s I have seen. The clarity/shininess is quite something here, pointing towards lively acidity. This is also the first nose that invoked a wow. Lots of dark fruit, violets, cassis, so typical for this vintage in the dark fruit spectrum with no heat at all. On the palate medium-full bodied and very precise, ripe tannins buffering the exceptional fruit. This is young for sure but the first wine that gives me full confidence that once mature it will have the right balance between alcohol, fruit, aromas and tannins. Outstanding!

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  • 2009 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Comparing the 2009 with the 2010 tonight. It starts with the color, the 09 is medium garnet, the 10 medium purple. Both are great wines no doubt, the stylistic difference of the vintage comes through very much which gives credit to the wine making team who let's the vintage speak for itself while assuring quality at the highest level.
    2009 tasting note: Expressive nose of red fruit, cloves, sweet spices, cedar, subtle toast. On he palate this is elegant and light, very St.Julien, nothing forced extracted or overripe, quite a ballerina in fact, a real pleasure already now. A delicate and highly drinkable wine. RP gives 100, I would need even more more aromatic depth to bestow that level. Great wine, I personally prefer the 2010 though but not by a huge margin. It will be a pleasure to compare these two in ten years time. 96-97.

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  • 2010 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Comparing the 2009 with the 2010 tonight. It starts with the color, the 09 is medium garnet, the 10 medium purple. Both are great wines no doubt, the stylistic difference of the vintage comes through very much which gives credit to the wine making team who let's the vintage speak for itself while assuring quality at the highest level.
    2010 tasting note: In the nose, are much more in the blue fruit spectrum with some pine tree, Eucalyptus and flower notes. On the palate the wine is denser and aromatically deeper, displaying the tell tale deep but soft tannic structure of the 10 vintage which I have never seen before this great vintage. The 2010 tannins embarrass any 2000 and 2005 when they were young. The 09 is more ready now (no surprise) but try a 10 now to experience the depth of the structure and aromas. I can't wait it see these wines go head or head again in 5 year's time.

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  • 2009 Vieux Château Certan 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Medium-dark purple. Closed nose of red fruit, spices, some oak and almonds, extremely reductive and not much aroma. On the palate round and soft with very silky tannins and superb balance and precision, again revealing little fragrance at this stage. I think this will be good once the secondary aroma come around. A clear wait till 2020. 96+

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  • 2010 Vieux Château Certan 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Served during a tasting session. While VCC is one of my favorite wines this 2010 bottle did not so well both with me and in the group. It was good, no doubt, but too hot/Merlot and aromatically one dimensional especially compared to the Medoc wines along side it (Clerc Milon, Leo Barton). Since all journalists rave about this wine and I have a lots of it my cellar I really hope that this showing will turn out to be an outlier as the wine is still in its infancy. 94+

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  • 2009 Château Haut-Bailly 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Medium ruby with garnet rim. Expressive nose of blueberry, cassis and a good amount of coffe/toast, the later being so typical for the 2009 vintage. Enters the palate soft and succulent, good tannic core and freshness behind. A really, really soft and polished package, so nice even to drink now. Knowing Haut Bailly, it will continue to add complexity with a few years. A really great HB but I think the 2010 will have the edge by 2025 as it is aromatically a deeper, even more complex wine. 96-97

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  • 2010 Château Haut-Bailly 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Tasted at the Chateau. Having tasted all Haut Bailly from 1995-2010 (most of them when I worked there during a sabbatical in 2006), this is most likely the best wine they made in recent history, the technical director also feels so. Ultra classic and dense with lots of dark fruit and freshness. Lots of blue and black fruit, smoke and foresty notes. The big surprise though is the softness of tannins, as big and present as they are. Having had the spectacular 1961, I think this wine will go a long, long way and my note still has upside potential. Wow! 98

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  • 2009 Château Cos d'Estournel 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    I tasted this wine during the 2009 arrivage. Having tasted many Cos before I am not impressed by this wine. It is far to hot, oxidative and "cooked" for me. Right next to the 09 Montrose it was more like a Provence wine. I am not a "religious" opponent of fruit forward Bordeaux, as a matter of fact when you taste Bordeaux from the 80ies and early 90ies you do wish for more fruit, but this has gone too far for my taste. The more extracted the wine, the less aromatic complexity and freshness, that is the trade off... A recent retasting of 03 Cos vs. Montrose confirmed this. Try and compare yourself before you follow the lofty points.

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  • 2010 Château Cos d'Estournel 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    During a merchant tasting. Posting the note twice to add into two separate tasting stories. TN: Dark purple. Wow, the nose is open after decanting, did not expect that. Expressive aromas of dark fruit, smoke, forest floor, pine, the full Medoc Kaleidoscope, really impressive. The show then really takes off on the palate. Fabulous mid mouth presence, freshness and depth. Layers and layers of cool fruit. Long and aromatic finish. The 08, 06, and 12 next to it are good but this is just in a league on its own in terms of aromatic depth. Wow, hands down the best Cos and not the 2009 which suffers from cooked fruit (see my note there).

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  • 2009 Château Giscours 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    During a 2009 quick check. Nose of cedar wood, red fruit, toasty, very Cabernet, very Bordeaux, noticeable oak though that will still need to integrate. On the palate, mid weight, fresh, with soft tannins, just delicious. If the oak integrates we will have a winner. Not as strong as the 2010 though.

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  • 2010 Château Giscours 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    Tasted during a Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Highly aromatic nose, very classic Margaux with spices, cassis, cloves and more. On the palate this is ripe and deep, lots and lots of fruit. There is a great degree of classicism here which I personally prefer to the ostentatious 09. Giscours continues to be one of the top Margaux wines that delivers high quality without braking the bank.

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  • 2009 Domaine de Chevalier 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Discrete nose of cedar wood, toast, red fruit and spices. Opening up more after 1h. Delicate palate with good balance of tannins, fruit and acidity, quite some oak though that needs to integrate. Difficult to assess now, elements are here but they need to fall into place. Wait till 2018.

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  • 2010 Domaine de Chevalier 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Checking in on some younger Bordeaux and other treasures with a fellow collector friend. Medium purple, bright and shiny. Reductive nose of pine, blue fruit. Enters the palate very tightly woven with great fruit extract, soft and very present, huge potential, very closed though. This is much less roasted than the 2009 and I clearly prefer the 2010. This will be one of the great Domaine de Chevalier’s of all time, no doubt. Wait till 2025 at least.

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  • 2009 Château Gruaud Larose 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Expressive nose showing forest floor, dark and red fruit with lots of toasty oak and spices, similar to the 2010 the oak is very prominent and needs integration, to be watched. On the palate very good mouthfeel. Ripe fruit and tannins, good freshness and black/red fruit. Young but like most 2009 approachable in this state. This will be a great Gruaud. 94+

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  • 2010 Château Gruaud Larose 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Expressive nose showing forest floor, barnyard (brett) and lots of toasty oak and spices. Similar to the 2009, the oak is very prominent and needs integration, to be followed. Excellent entry on the palate with lots of fruit and to my surprise quite drinkable as the masses of tannins are ripe and soft - the hallmark of 2010 tannins. Very good freshness and aromatic intensity. A very strong Gruaud

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  • 2009 Château Gazin Pomerol 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Checking in on some younger Bordeaux with a fellow collector friend. Dark purple. Nose of coffee, chocolate, plum. Soft entry on the palate, ripe and very Merlot but with enough structure. Different, more succulent style than the Vieux Certan next to it. This is softer and more approachable than the 2010 but it was clear to us that one will be the greater and deeper wine in a few years’ time. Can already be drunk with pleasure now.

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  • 2010 Château Gazin Pomerol 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Checking in on some younger Bordeaux with a fellow collector friend. Ripe Merlot nose with plum, black cherry, but no heat or oxidation, great freshness. Full bodied with excellent and tightly woven tannins. However, young and monolithic at this stage needing time like all 2010. This will be very good once mature I am sure. Very complete raw material.

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  • 2009 Château de Fieuzal 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    During a 2009 quick check. A very good showing of this young wine. Expressive nose of dark fruit, minerals, forest floor and hints of smoke, very pleasant and complex. On the palate good body and mouthfeel with solid fruit and good tannins and freshness. In this price category an unbeatable wine. Everybody just loved it.

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  • 2010 Château de Fieuzal 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Tasted during a Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Medium-dark ruby. Expressive nose of spices, earth and red and blue fruit. On the palate still rather closed and structured with supporting acidity providing lift. This is quite deep and expressive. I rate the 09 higher here but not far off. One think is clear though. While the 09 can be consumed now and provides lots of hedonistic pleasures this one is for the cellar. Wait until 2020.

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  • 2009 Château du Tertre 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    During a 2009 quick check. This wine did better during the arrivage tastings. At the modment the nose is quite discrete and the aromatics (red fruit, toast, spices) have moved into the background but it looks like all is there. Acidity is quit high though. I think it will sort itself out and perform again as it did fresh in the bottle.

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  • 2010 Château du Tertre 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    Tasted during a Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Nose of spices, red fruit and minerals. Medium bodied with a lightness of CabFanc, aromatic at the same time. This is much more serious than the 2009, with more depth too.

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  • 2009 Clos Manou 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc

    Medium purple, bright and shiny. Expressive "hello I am from Medoc" nose of black current, toast with a touch of smoke and wood. On the palate medium bodied with present acidity and tannins buffering the fruit. Still quite young but already drinkable if you are use to the young 2009 tannins. Drinking plateau probably 2015-2020. This is a well made modern Bordeaux that is hard to dislike. Of course the length could be higher, but hey this sells at 35$. Who says good Bordeaux from an exceptional vintage needs to be expensive... 92-93 Pts.

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  • 2010 Clos Manou 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc

    Tasted at Wine Advocate event - A matter of taste. Dark purple. Expressive nose of dark fruit with some smoke and earth. This, like many 2010 is tightly woven and dense but the quality of the tannins in 2010 is unsurpassed for a classic vintage, better than 05 and 00. I personally prefer this to the excellent 09 which is more in the roasty/toasty aroma spectrum but also a great wine. If you are on a small budget but want to drink top quality left bank, try Clos Manou. Both the 09 and 10 need another 3-5 years in the bottle

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  • 2009 Château Cantenac Brown 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    Cantenac Brown 2009 vs. 2010 quick check, from 0.375. Dark ruby (2010 dark purple, clear difference visible). Reserved nose of warm and toasty notes often detected in the 09 vintage and some red fruit. On the palate dense with young tannins but with the charm of 2009. Mid palate more airy than 2010 and aromatically shorter. Good as well but inferior to the 10. Disclosure: At the dinner table with my family this won the popular vote, but for me as an experienced Bdx drinker I bet on the 10. Very good wine and still around 50$. 92-93

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  • 2010 Château Cantenac Brown 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    Cantenac Brown 2009 vs. 2010 quick check, from 0.375. Dark purple, very primary color and reserved to muted nose. On the palate, a distinctively spicy (cloves, pepper, cinnamon) and a also oaky entry with lots of fruit supporting behind and excellent freshness. This is very young, the oak needs to integrate, but the potential is already visible. Superior to the 09. Great value Margaux. On the next day, the oak disappeared and the wine showed all its fruit with deep aromatics. Outstanding! 93-95. Great Margaux for 50 bucks, look no further.

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  • 2010 Château Le Gay Pomerol 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Le Gay, Pomerol, 08-10 quick check. This is an interesting one. Dark purple. Expressive and conspicuously ripe (even overripe but not at all oxidative) nose of plum, candied fruit, flowers and morello cherry. Big and bold, reminds me a bit of Foley from Napa. On the palate this is as sweet and ripe as Bordeaux can get (=not my cup of tea) but to be fair, the 2010 freshness also rules here, no flabbiness at all. Great! I understand the spread in ratings. If you like mass with still some freshness and aromatics go for this one. Oh, and before I forget, hands down the best wine of the 08-10 trilogy.

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  • 2009 Château Le Gay Pomerol 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Le Gay, Pomerol, 08-10 quick check. Well, well. I knew this was going to be an interesting one. PnP from a 0.375 to understand its story. Background: This wine has very high ratings from both RP and Neal Martin (96+, 96 and recently 97). At the same time, JR, Tanzer and Jean-Marc Quarin are much more reserved (87-91) stating too much oak, etc. So, naturally, I asked myself which camp will I fall into, having no particular love or hate relationship to any of these tasters. This time the verdict was easy, camp number two. Tasting note: Expressive nose of toast, red and dried fruit (plum), ripe and sexy without being oxidative - I see where camp one is coming from. On the palate soft and pleasant, oak again and not much beyond your 30$ commercial offerings, short finish. Good facade but not much behind unfortunately, will it even age? Recommendation: Check it out yourself and see in which camp YOU fall, great exercise. Will check in on this site with anticipation to follow your verdicts. Cheers!

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  • 2009 Château Branon 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    During a tasting dinner. Dark ruby. Expressive nose of dark fruit, flowers, a touch of barnyard and lots of toasty oak and vanilla. Rich and succulent on the palate, soft tannins, typical 2009 in style. For me this has a bit too much roasted oak in the aroma spectrum for a higher score, but if you like your Bordeaux modern and sexy without sacrificing aromatic complexity, this is a good choice.

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  • 2010 Château Branon 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Very dark purple. Expressive nose of dark fruit, cassis, lots of oak, smoke. Big on the palate 14.5 Alc, with huge structure and acidity as well. Wow, a full throttle 2010 with all the glory, very impressive. Big fruit but with the tannins to support. Oak needs to integrate. I think 2025 onwards this will be great.

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Flight 7 - 2009 and 2010 I tasted individually at a subsequent date (47 Notes)

  • 2010 Tertre Rôteboeuf 97 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Tasting at a friend’s home. Having had lots of 2010 right bankers this one is quite a mystery to me. Most of the high end Merlots from this vintage are quite dense with lots of blue and black fruit (in a good way). This one is completely different, much lighter. It starts with the color, medium garnet. On the nose there are aromas of red fruit, flowers, fruit cake with a touch of wood. Enters your palate with a lot of elegance and is only medium bodied but has an extraordinary balance to it, almost Burgundian or like a Chateau Rayas in good years. Wow, given the alcohol level, how did they manage to do this?

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  • 2010 Château Léoville Barton 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    I make it a habit to taste the freshly bottled Bordeaux when they arrive before I lay them down in my storage facilities. Having read lots of praise about this wine I was still sceptical. Leoville Bartons are very classical wines and rarely do well before they have many years under their belt, and unfortunately, even then they remain on the tannic side, especially for people who only occasionally drink Bordeaux... This is the second vintage of the new maitre de chais Francois Brehant. I don't want to offend anyone of the past but it confirmed what I always thought. While Leoville Barton was a great wine it significantly underperformed in respect of the terroir's potential. Tasting the 2010 it looks like this is a thing of the past. This wine is fresh, fruity with lively black currant and other appealing aromas, no joke, you can actually drink it right now so soft are the tannins although it will probably close down. I have never had a Leo Barton tasting this good when it was young. Wow! I am really looking forward how this wine will do when mature. A no brainer on your Bdx shopping list! 96+

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  • 2009 Château La Fleur-Pétrus 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Tasted during a Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Dark purple. Deep and elegant nose of dark fruit, earth and mint, forest and mineralic components. On the palate this has excellent mid mouth fill and depth with creamy but young tannins. Outstanding Merlot, needs a 5 years wait! 96-97

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  • 2010 Château Pape Clément 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    During a wine dinner, tasted blind. Dark purple. Expressive nose of dark fruit with complex smoky, earthy and anomalic notes pointing towards Medoc. But there is also a lots of toasty oak and vanilla, modernist style. The vote here was split, some were skeptical whether this much oak will ever integrate to make it a balanced wine. I don't see the 100 Points RP is giving here but I can appreciate it as a modern expression of a Bordeaux because of the complex Graves aromas and the acidity make it more than just a rich wine. To be revisited in 2020. 95+

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  • 2009 Château Saint-Pierre 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    During a 2009 quick check. I was very surprised when Parker gave this wine 98 points as this Chateau usually sores in the low-mid 90ies. So I bought a case just to be hedged, opened a bottle and wow! Deep purple. Very expressive nose of dark fruit, cloves, vanilla and cedar wood. Strong but ripe tannins buffer the substantial amount of fruit, good freshness as well. Too young of course but very succulent already. I am sure this is going to be a Bordeaux that will do well against big names in future blind tastings. Impressive!

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  • 2010 Clos l'Église (Pomerol) 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Dark purple. Nose of dark fruit, pine, plum, blueberry, some earth. Dense and still tannic but excellent fruit underneath, very good freshness. Wait till 2020 to open this. Clearly, a great Pomerol in the making.

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  • 2010 Château Canon 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Dark ruby. Discrete nose of dark fruit with some chocolate and some cut hey. Medium bodied palate with extremely silky tannins. This has an excellent, velvety mid mouth feel. True to the Canon house style which is always more in the elegance than power camp. Aromatically this is still muted, lots of potential though. If it develops complexity through the secondary aromas we will have a winner.

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  • 2010 Château Lynch-Bages 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Medium purple. Very discrete nose of graphite, red fruit, cedar wood and cigar box. Closed and difficult to coax anything. On the palate surprisingly light and delicate for the year but with excellent definition. There is a certain dryness at the moment but lots of closed and compact fruit behind it, so should turn out well. While it may lack the stuffing and the grandeur of a Montrose or Pichon Baron it will be a text book Pauillac - dry not fruity, elegant not full bodied. But for now, wait. It is years from being ready and not pleasant on the palate - don't even think of opening this before 2025. 94++

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  • 2010 Château Clerc Milon 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Served during a tasting session. Very Pauillac in its aromas with present but soft tannins, already closing down. Did very well in the group, great potential. A general observation: If I compare the 2010 to other recent top vintages of similar style (2000/05) I find that the tannins are softer in the young 2010s. The quality improvements in viticulture/vinification in the past 10 years in Bordeaux is very visible. Soft, velvety Cabernet based Bordeaux in a so-called “tannic” vintage like 2010 is a promising sign for the future. There are may many high scoring left bank wines that I have tasted from 86, 94, 95, 96 that even today have not come around and probably never will. Thankfully these times are over.

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  • 2009 Château Rauzan-Ségla 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    First and foremost. WTF were you thinking when you approved this new "Cheap-Charly Hello Kitty style" label by Lagerfeld??? Anyway, Medium ruby. Discrete nose of beautiful floral aromas with red fruit, cloves and a touch of wood, elegant and refined. On the palate, medium bodied, elegant with soft tannins and good balance. Could even get a higher note as age adds further complexity.

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  • 2010 Château Sociando-Mallet 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Tasted at Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. This is one of the most famous Bordeaux in the "value for money segment". Last vintage I had was the 2000 which should have been great but they really screwed that one up with a very strong green pepper note suggesting that the CabSav was not ripe when they brought it in. This beautiful 2010 does certainly not have this problem. Dark purple. A wonderful nose of dark fruit with some forest and earthy notes. Very tightly knit with present but very ripe tannins. This is going to be a real left bank treat in 3-5 years.

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  • 2009 Château Batailley 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Medium purple. Expressive nose, black current, wood, very typical Bordeaux Blend in style but quite a lot of toasty oak on top of it. On the palate soft and round, the ripeness of 09 shines through well. Can be drunk now but I would wait since the oak needs to integrate further. 92-94

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  • 2009 Château Certan de May 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    From 0.375. Dark ruby. Expressive nose of dark fruits with sweet spices and some oak, quite modern/forward and flattering. On the palate medium bodied with again good fruit, oak that needs a bit more integration and very good acidity adding to the overall balance. The tannins are as in most 09 present at this stage but very ripe and the wine already approachable. There is so much to love in the 09's. This is a very solid Pomerol at a good price.

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  • 2010 Château Duhart-Milon 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Medium garnet, not as dark as most 2010. Nose of red and some dark fruit with lots of oak, vamilla, chocolate and some cedar. The palate is well balanced with surprisingly soft and silky tannins for a 2010 Pauillac, a strong point. The oak needs major integration work... Hence wait another 5 years for the aromatic profile hopefully reflecting the terroir. 93-95

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  • 2009 Château La Fleur de Gay 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Dark purple. Discrete nose of vanilla, dark fruit, oak and roasted notes. On the palate this is very young with noticeable acidity, roasted aroma as well and some heat. A bit too modern and not as deep as the fantastic 2008. Let's see what time does to integrate the rather generous oak. 91-93

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  • 2009 Château Poujeaux 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Moulis en Médoc

    Tasted during a Wine advocate event - A matter of taste. Medium-dark ruby. Succulent nose of ripe fruit, some vanilla and oak with earthy notes. On the palate soft and balanced, ripeness of the 2009 coming through. This wine, often praised for a good value Bordeaux has often been too rustic for me but the 2009 is a real treat.

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  • 2009 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    From 0.375. Dark ruby. Expressive nose of red fruit with cloves and other sweet spices and noticeable oak that needs to be integrated. The tannins are present but soft. The big surprise of this wine is, however, the aromatic profile which was still extremely primary. To me it smells like the Bdx does when doing primeur tastings in Spring. So, the most immediate recommendation is, unlike other 2009 this one cannot be drunk this young, wait toll 2018. 92+ PS: Comparing this to the fabulous 2005 (see my note there) it is made of similar cloth but the 2005 has the edge in my view being more pure and having a more length while the 09 is a more flamboyant/toasty in its aromatics (09 has Merlot as the dominant grape, 05 Cab Franc). It will be interesting to compare the two when the 09 is ready. For now I recommend to everyone to try the outstanding and ready 2005.

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  • 2009 Château Haut-Bages Libéral 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Tasted during a Wine advocate event - A matter of taste. Medium-dark ruby. Expressive nose of red and dark fruit with vanilla and a touch of earth and chocolate. On the palate this is sweet and succulent for a Bordeaxu but in a nice way, a bit oaky at the moment but this may integrate with age. 91-92

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  • 2010 Château Pedesclaux 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    During a CdB wine tasting dinner with Chateau d'Issan Managing Director Emmanuel Cruse. The positive surprise of the evening. First of all, I liked the aroma. Lots of dark fruit, black tea, mint, earth. On the palate very soft with good structure behind. Everyone was confused as we know how closed a 2010 CabSav based Paullac is at this stage. Emmanuel mentioned that Pedesclaux has a much higher percentage of Merlot, making this wine softer and earlier drinkable. A great success for this patchy Cru with an good QPR

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  • 2010 Château Meyney 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    Tasted during a Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Dark ruby. Closed nose. Aroma of dark fruit and some earth. Rather rustic on the palate with granular tannins. For sure this will need time and come around. Will ever be elegant - but then again, this is St.Estephe.

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  • 2010 Château Cantemerle 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Medium-dark ruby. Expressive nose of read and black fruit with some chocolate and a good dose of spices, vanilla and oak. On the palate this wine has a lot of volume and structure for this price class. Tannins are soft but as with all 2010 I would really wait for 8-10 years before starting to drink this, not only will the structure soften but also more aromas will develop. Good QPR here.

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  • 2009 Château Lagrange (St. Julien) 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Medium ruby. Chocolaty nose on the top note with some vanilla, oak and spices following. Not particularly complex, more like a well made commercial wine. On the palate soft and round like all 2009s but I am missing aromatic complexity for a higher score. Time may bring this.

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  • 2010 Château La Tour Carnet 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Dark purple. Discrete nose of dark fruit with spices and toast. On the palate quite structured with tannins that need to dissolve, no unripe ones though. A bit too toasty but there is lots of underlying fruit that will most likely make a solid claret once mature. Well crafted by the Bernard Magrez stable for this price range. 90-91

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  • 2009 Château Petit Village 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    During a tasting dinner with Xavier Sanches of Axa Millesimes. Medium-dark ruby. Nose of red and dark fruit with a pronounced roasted character as so typical to 2009, white a lot of oak as well. Soft and pleasant on the palate with medium body. Succulent but aromatically a bit harmless.

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  • 2010 Château Belair-Monange 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Dark purple. Ripe nose of cooked fruit, jam, prune, plum and cherry pointing to very late picking. This is confirmed on the palate with a very southern feel and even an oxidative touch. If this is a representative bottle than I can't see what’s there to like here. 87? points for now. Need to try again.

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  • 2010 Alter Ego 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    Dark Crimson. Nose of dark fruit with lots of oak, not very expressive at the moment. The oak disappeared only slowly with decanting. The wine is dense, well balanced but the tannins young. Good material for sure. Someone told me you can drink this now. He obviously doesn't know what he is talking about. This wine confirms my experience that in top but structured vintages like 00, 05, 10, even the smaller Château and second eines need an least 10 years. The top is not to be touched before age 15. 92+

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  • 2009 Château Cissac 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Tasted at the Sampler, London. Medium ruby. Discrete nose of dark fruit, forest floor, earth, very good ripeness visible. Enters the palate medium bodied with good Medoc typicity. Fruit and structure well in place. This is well done. Drinkable now but will surely add more tertiary aromas as it matures further. 91+

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  • 2010 Château Larose-Trintaudon 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    This is a discovery in the segment of USD 15. Dark garnet. Nose of dark fruit with cassis, cedar wood and a noticeable chocolate note (probably from a solid Merlot proportion in the blend). Very soft tannins and dense and ripe mouth feel for this appelation. Drinkable now due to its softness but if this also adds secondary aromas with a bit of age it will be a real winner.

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  • 2009 Hauts de Pontet-Canet 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Dark ruby. Ripe nose of red fruit with cedar wood, spices. On the palate this is quite mouth filling for a second wine with good fruit presence but there is also some alcoholic heat here. Not very long aromatically. Nice to drink but I struggle to see how this can go much beyond 90 points.

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  • 2010 La Dame de Montrose 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    During a tasting. Decanted for 2h. Medium-dark purple. Reductive nose of dark fruit with earth. Closed on the palate aromatically. I re-tasted this wine in 2018 again with Commanderie friends and it was much, much better. Very creamy palate now, aromatics came forward as well. Really a grand Cru level wine now. 94-95. Optimal Drinking window 2023-2033.

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  • 2010 Château Larmande 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    At a merchant tasting. Dark purple. Reserved nose of dark fruit, chocolate. Medium-full bodied on the palate with young structure, a bit alcoholic and short for a higher note, good freshness though. Young, will need some time, overall balance not bad, so it will probably add a point when ready. Wait.

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  • 2010 Ronan by Clinet 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux

    From the Chateau Clinet stable. Dark purple. This commercial offering shows the class of 2010. Discrete nose of dark fruit with pine tree, black tea, oak. On the palate good mid mouth fill with good fruit and the right amount of bitterness provided by the tannins to buffer it. I prefer this a any time to the sweet commercial wines from overseas. Good everyday table wine. Try to match this Merlot for $15

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  • 2009 Château Talbot 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Tasted during a Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. Dark garnet. Expressive nose of red and dark fruit, bretty notes with roasted oak and toast. Medium bodied with a succulent mouth feel, a bit hot. I am missing the precision of the fruit vs. oak. A decent Bordeaux, but beyond that? 90-91

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  • 2009 Château Langoa Barton 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Medium ruby with purple rim. Discrete nose with reductive aromas of cassis, black pepper, cedar wood and graphite, not showing much at the moment. On the palate quite lean and tight, one of the only 2009 without exuberant fruit I have tasted. Very old fashioned in style, almost too much. Gripping tannins. This wine, unlike most 2009, does not give any pleasure at the moment but fragrant material lies underneath once the tannins soften. I would not open it before 2018 or so. 88-90?

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  • 2009 Château d'Arche (Haut-Médoc) 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Medum-dark garnet. Fruity nose of red fruit with some oaky and earthy notes hit to a well made, wine with good ripeness but without a lot of depth in aromas. On the palate this sensation gets confirmed. Medium bodied with good balance of components. Good Cru Burgeous.

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  • 2009 Château Malartic-Lagravière La Réserve de Malartic 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

    Commanderie de Bordeaux tasting/dinner. This is the second wine of Malartic Lagraviere. Medium-light purple. Nose of flowers, oak, earth and coffee. On the palate quite airy though. Solid table wine quality.

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  • 2009 Les Tourelles de Longueville 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Tasted at Wine Advocat event - A matter of taste. As good as the first wine of this estate is in 09 (and 10) as little I can do with this bottle. This seems to be the Merlot avatar of the great first wine. Soft and drinkable but this lots of oak and vanilla, a bit flabby an not very complex. A typical no harm table wine.

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  • 2010 L'Hospitalet de Gazin 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    PnP from a 0.375. Dark puple. Muted nose of dark fruits with some minty notes. On the palate very reductive and young. The tannins are strong but soft. This is what is so great about 2010. Structured wines with present but no unripe tannins across the board. Aromatically this wine is reductive and closed, not revealing anything. So, put this away till at least 2016. Second wines are usually drinkable early but not in 2010 I suspect. 87-89

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  • 2010 Goulée 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc

    This was the wine chosen as the table wine at a New Year's dinner I attended. Dark ruby. Nose of spices, dark fruit with vanilla and dominant oak. While this is much better than the 06 without doubt I still see little typicity/complexity beyond the extraction and oak. However, the dinner crowd did like it.

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  • 2010 Château Pavie Macquin 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Dark purple. Closed nose. Aromas of cooked fruit and fruit compote. Plum, very jammy ripe, no aromatic complexity in sight. Dense palate with lots of acidity and alcoholic heat. Really no pleasure on the palate at all. Overripe, overextracted, overdone. Will this turn the corner with age?

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  • 2010 Château Barreyre 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Tasted at an apero. Dark ruby. With some coaxing aromas of dark fruit and toast can be detected. On the palate this wine is quite hot, tannins are OK though. The issue is that for the level of "felt alcohol" there is not enough fruit and aromas to support it. Quite a step away from what I normally consume.

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  • 2009 Château Tour Baladoz 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    At Divo wine club tasting. Medium purple. Expressive nose of dark berries, licorice and some toast, nice nose indeed. Unfortunately the palate cannot quite follow up on it as the tannins are a bit too hard and there is a bit of a whole in the mid palate.

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  • 2010 Château Loudenne 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc

    Served in Singapore Airways. Dark ruby. Reductive nose of dark fruit some foresty notes. On the palate there is a lot of hot alcohol and acidity, too much for the fruit and structure it has. The tannins are young, not surprising, but OK. Singapore Airlines has such a high profile wine expert purchasing team. How can they get it so wrong? Why do they end up recommending a wine that is utterly undrinkable at this point of time? 2010, the mother of all "cellar vintages", why not offer something more ready, say from 07, cheaper too...

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  • 2010 Château Monbousquet 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Dark purple. Discrete nose of some dark fruit with lots of alcohol. On the palate rather “hot and hollow”, not much aroma, not enough fruit to support the strong and drying tannins. Despite his success with Chateau Pavie, Gerard Perse still needs to learn that making a great wine is more than concentrating grape juice from a so so terroirs.

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  • 2010 Château Pey La Tour 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Dark ruby. This is very toasty/oaky both on the nose and the palate, lacks a sense of place. Drinkable but not why you would seek out a Bordeaux. This kind of CabSav can be produced cheaper in the plains of Chile or Australia.

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  • 2010 Château Cissac 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    At an apero. Dark ruby with purple core. Nose of cooked fruit, cassis, alcoholic heat and an oxidative touch. Are we in Medoc here? Same on the palate, ripe Rioja style, no balance and freshness. I initially thought it was the bottle so I tried from another one, same issues. Not sure what they were trying to achieve here.

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  • 2009 Château Tayet 83 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    At Divo wine club tasting. Medium ruby. Reserved nose of dark berries and oak. On the palate the tannins are unfortunately too hard, especially for the 2009 vintage.

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