PHMG WAG: The 2010 Bordeaux

We knew the press/reputation, but we didn't know the wines... So it was time to try some. These were all futures from Winex or JJ Buckley. They were served un-blinded after a 6 hour double decant, in order of price paid. I picked wines from different appellations to get a cross sectional impression.

A current release "value" white Bordeaux to sip while gathering.

• 2012 Château Guiraud Le G 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux

  Nice opener for this 2010 red tasting, There's mostly citrus and a hint of tropical fruit. Very fresh/lively. Paired with shaved white truffle on buttered Oregon hazelnut toast, as well as some steamers.

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• 2010 Domaine du Bouscat Cuvée la Gargone 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

  What a start to this tasting! The QPR is off the hook! The whole group fell in love with this. It has an open nose of "parfume de Bordeaux". Ripe dark fruit that is well balanced with other elements. Could be a great house wine while other '10's mature.

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• 2010 Château Brown 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan

  More black than red fruit, this also had a notable stone/ mineral component compared to the others. Needs some more time, but not badly.

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• 2010 Château Siran 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Another wine that is open for business. Violet tinged red and black fruit with some graphite, cedar, and spice. Not particularly deep but lingers nicely.

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• 2010 Château Ormes de Pez 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Estèphe

  Bottom of the pile tonight for being the tightest of the bunch on the nose and a bit one dimensional on the palate. YET, it has 2-4 points of add'l potential hidden under the dark fruit and tannins.

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• 2010 Château La Fleur de Boüard 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

  Some plum and black raspberry in addition to the usual cassis and cigar box. Big smooth tannins. Drink or wait a decade!

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• 2010 Château Monbousquet 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

  My WOTN, this was probably the darkest, most structured wine of the night but also in balance! The deep black and blue fruit have a supporting cast of traditional Bordeaux non-fruit notes: tobacco, stone, cedar, tar,... This could outlive a few of us.

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• 2010 Château Gloria 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  Deep black fruit, still somewhat primary. Cigar, coffee, and spice rounds things out. Tannins substantial but well hidden. Surprisingly drinkable again with a long life ahead -- very nice for 2 more days.

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• 2010 Château d'Armailhac 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Cassis + add'l dark fruit, cigar box, and a touch of oak. Nice depth and structure. Drinkable but lots of upside in waiting.

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Served with lemon tartlets. Same grapes as the opener.

• 2005 Château Rieussec 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Ok, THIS was my WOTN, but unfair.... Classic color with yellow stone fruit, pineapple, honey, and botrytis. Great balance and depth. Sweet but then ZAP! The acids clean up! Nice finish, both the wine and to the tasting.

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These wines consistently surprised us with their drinkability. Open on the nose, fresh ripe fruit, classic Bordeaux notes, and polished tannins. They were still excellent on day 2 with minimal fall off on day 3 (gassed on the first night and not on second night).