En Primeur 2010 Scores - Decanter

Pauillac › Margaux › Saint-Estephe › Saint-Julien › Graves & Pessac-Léognan (reds) › Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés › Pomerol › Graves, Pessac-Léognan & other dry whites › Sauternes & Barsac

Pauillac

Chateau Latour, 1er Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Sensational depth of colour, incredible sweetness and ripeness of fruit, but very massive now, a monumental expression of the Latour vineyards. Drink 2025-70. (20 points)

Chateau Pontet-Canet, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Masses of concentrated cassis fruit, but already has wild violet fragrance of the greatest Pauillacs, superb middle sweetness, perfect structure and length, perhaps more elegant than Pontet-Canet's great 2009. Drink 2016-35. (18.5 points)

Chateau Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Wonderfully smoky fruit, quite compacted still with great natural depth of Cabernet Sauvignon and a great future. Drink 2022-45. (18.5 points)

Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Lovely expression of supple, rich fruit, beautiful middle palate, lacks perhaps the power of some wines in this vintage, but makes up for it in polish and elegance. Drink 2020-40. (18.5 points)

Chateau Mouton Rothschild, 1er Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Huge, exotic multi-fruit nose, layers and layers of flavour, the richness lifted by ingrained acidity, perfect balance for such a richly textured wine, the best Mouton for years. Drink 2020-50. (19.5 points)

Chateau Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Fabulous nose of wild violets, wonderful lissom texture backed by aristocratic firmness, a totally captivating wine for the long term. Drink 2020-50. (20 points)

Chateau Lynch-Moussas, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Deep cassis fruit, smooth texture for Pauillac, nice elegant finish. Drink 2016-25. (16.5 points)

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Still rather reserved, but excellent depth of violetty-irony Pauillac fruit and great length and elegance, a fine classic wine that will repay cellaring over a long period. Drink 2017-35. (18 points)

Chateau Haut-Batailley, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Very good depth of elegant Cabernet fruit and lovely fragrance and lift, a perfectly poised Haut-Batailley. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)

Chateau Pedesclaux, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Good firm fruit and good texture, length, clarity and depth. Drink 2017-28. (16.5 points)

Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac 2010
Slightly smoky nose, great expression of rich, vigorous fruit, superb freshness and structure. Drink 2020-35. (18 points)

Chateau Batailley, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Deep, slightly smoky cassis fruit and a touch of violets, full rather meaty flavours, both roundness and depth from this very reliable château. Drink 2018-28. (17 points)

Reserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac 2010
Floral, fragrant nose, lovely texture and silky elegance with weight and expression to come. Drink 2016-26. (16.5 points)

Chateau Haut-Bages-Liberal, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Well-extracted ripe cassis fruit both briary and rich, good fragrance and purity, structure and length, right up with its 5th growth peers. Drink 2017-28. (17 points)

Chateau Grand-Puy-Ducasse, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Lots of lush, succulent cassis fruit, good meaty depth, fully flavoured, perhaps not the most complex. Drink 2017-27. (16.5 points)

Chateau d'Armailhac, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Beautifully concentrated black fruits, already has florality and spice, refreshingly elegant and classy, a wine with individuality, spice and (for Pauillac) charm. Drink 2017-28. (17.5 points)

Chateau Clerc Milon, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Rich blackcurrant fruit with some dry herbs/coffee spice nose, very good middle fruit and a firm, elegant structure and class, a château on top form. Drink 2018-35. (18 points)

Chateau Lynch-Moussas, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Good, slightly briary-spicy cassis fruit, good clarity and depth and very attractive wine from this château in continuous improvement. Drink 2016-26. (16.5 points)

Chateau Lynch-Bages, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Very good concentration of Cabernet fruits, rich and earthy, vibrant, vigorous flavours and packed with energy, a wine that once again justifies this château's reputation. Drink 2020-40. (18 points)

Les Tourelles de Longueville, Pauillac 2010
Good smoky cassis fruit, impressive vineyard ripeness and good Pauillac depth. Drink 2016-25. (16.5 points)

Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 2010
Rich aromas of cassis and mocha chocolate, explosive, even exotic, with firm tannins to back it up, will give great pleasure. Drink 2015-25. (17.5 points)

Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild, Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010
Concentrated black fruits, powerful yet lifted, structured and long term elegance, a great Duhart. Drink 2020-35. (18 points)

Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac 2010
Fine fragrance and elegance over layers of complexity, perfect harmony, Pauillac at its most refined. Drink 2016-26. (17.5 points)

Margaux

Chateau Margaux, 1er Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Superb colour, a lovely concentration of polished flavours that stay on the palate forever, unbelievable freshness and density, a truly great wine. Drink 2020-50. (20 points)

Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Deep expression of complex Cabernet fruit and fine aromatic lift of wild violets, the ripeness backed by perfect tannis, all in depth and harmony, a very exciting wine with a great future. Drink 2020-45. (18.5 points)

Chateau Palmer, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Superb richness and already showing a velvety texture, wonderful freshness and flavours that keep on growing, a magnificent Palmer. Drink 2020-50. (19.5 points)

Chateau Malescot-Saint-Exupery, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Striking fragrance of cassis-Cabernet fruit with a hint of greenness that adds lift, very good extraction and florality beginning to emerge, will show fascinating complexity over time. Drink 2018-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau Marquis d'Alesme-Becker, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Quite robust fruit for Margaux, but good rich flavours and character, sets a new standard for this château. Drink 2017-28. (17 points)

Chateau Marquis de Terme, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Very good depth of rich, slightly earthy fruit, ripeness of the Cabernet matched by a deep freshness of the tannins, always a broad-shouldered Margaux, good future. Drink 2016-30. (17 points)

Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, Margaux 2010
Fragrant red fruit, almost silky/taffeta texture, beautiful length and perfect balance, the best Pavillon Rouge ever. Drink 2018-30. (18 points)

Chateau Prieure-Lichine, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Fine, exuberant yet elegant Margaux fruit, very attractive and always one of the most attractive, typical wines of the appellation. Drink 2016-28. (17 points)

Chateau Rauzan-Gassies, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Ripe, well-concentrated cassis fruit, shows fine elegance over the slightly fleshy ripeness and confirms the rise in quality of this wine. Drink 2017-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau Siran, Margaux 2010
Very well-extracted ripe fruit, good earthy expression and an elegant structure to back it up, a bit robust now, but will show well. Drink 2017-30. (16.5 points)

Chateau Giscours, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Very good depth of fruit, perfect Cabernet ripeness, fragrance and smoothness of texture to see a very good future. Drink 2017-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau Kirwan, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Richly-extracted slightly earthy fruit with both intensity, purity and aromatic complexity, a rich, harmonious wine, with everything there for the long term, one of the best ever Kirwans. Drink 2018-35. (18 points)

Chateau Labegorce, Margaux 2010
Deep, robust, slightly leathery cassis fruit, good freshness and clarity that gives lift to the natural weight, very satisfying wine. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)

Chateau Lascombes, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Very well extracted ripe fruit, shows the ripeness and structure of 2010 and fine ripe tannins for the future. Drink 2017-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau Durfort-Vivens, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Beautifully expressed Margaux-Cabernet fruit, great richness and depth, deep silky texture, certainly worth its Second Growth status. Drink 2017-35. (18 points)

Chateau Ferriere, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Very firm, very precise cassis fruit, ripeness, structure and length, a good future. Drink 2017-28. (17 points)

Chateau du Tertre, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Beautifully balanced Cabernet fruit, florality, ripeness and good firm length all in perfect balance. Drink 2017-30. (17 points)

Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux 2010
Fragrant wild violets nose, wonderful weight and texture, succulence and firmness, definitely not a 'second wine'. Drink 2015-25. (17.5 points)

Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Beautifully expressed Cabernet fruit, pure Margaux elegance that combines intensity and finesse, long flavours, excellent balance that shows up Brane's specific style. Drink 2016-30. (18 points)

Chateau Cantenac-Brown, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Well-extracted depth of cassis fruit, ripeness and length and more elegance than robustness than usual from this château. Drink 2015-25. (17.5 points)

Chateau Desmirail, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Elegant and expressive Margaux fruit, almost understated, but has ripeness and finesse, very attractive medium term. Drink 2015-25. (16.5 points)

Chateau Dauzac, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Fine expression of earthy yet elegant Cabernet fruit, very good structure and length, quite rich, with tannins to balance this and a very good future. Drink 2017-30. (17 points)

Chateau d'Angludet, Margaux 2010
Rich, ripe briary fruit, seductive Merlot rounds out the firmer Cabernet, good freshness and fine ripe tannins for a good future. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)

Chateau Boyd Cantenac, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Wonderfully expressed Cabernet Sauvignon aromas, superb texture, a powerful wine that is still elegant, great future and probably the best ever from this understated château. Drink 2017-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau d'Issan, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 2010
Fine fragrant nose, perfect extraction, already beautifully textured, great future, probably the best d'Issan yet. Drink 2016-35. (18 points)

Chateau Monbrison, Margaux 2010
Fragrant, elegant crushed blackcurrant fruit, good concentration of old-vine depth and will show very well. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)

Saint-Estephe

Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 2010
Exotic tobacco leaf nose, superb ripe fruit and a violetty lift, more controlled and more classic than 2009, a great wine. Drink 2018-40. (19 points)

Chateau Calon-Segur, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 2010
Superb expression of black fruits, sensational depth of supple/succulent flavours, great harmony, purity and length, for me the best Saint-Estèphe this year. Drink 2020-50. (19 points)

Chateau Phelan-Segur, Saint-Estephe 2010
Rich, ripe, quite leathery fruit, very good lift and lovely potential complexity, always with a touch of spicy elegance. Drink 2017-26. (17 points)

Chateau Cos Labory, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 2010
Very good expression of ripe fruit, slightly smoky, good length, a wine with much more freshness and depth from this château, good future. Drink 2017-30. (17 points)

Chateau de Pez, Saint-Estephe 2010
Very good depth of fruit and great class from this top Saint-Estèphe estate, great in the 1970s and great once again. Drink 2018-30. (17 points)

Chateau Lafon-Rochet, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 2010
Superbly ripe Cabernet fruit and lush yet firm flavours and perfect tannins make this an explosively good wine for the medium and long term. Drink 2017-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau Ormes-de-Pez, Saint-Estephe 2010
Superb concentration of very ripe fruit, lots of richness and depth, will be very impressive. Drink 2016-28. (17 points)

Les Pagodes de Cos, Saint-Estephe 2010
Big smoky cassis nose, spice and controlled fruit, impressive complexity. Drink 2014-22. (17 points)

Chateau Montrose, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 2010
Elegant, quite reserved fruit, quite discreet now, will gain in length, but less exciting than 2009. Drink 2020-35. (18 points)

Saint-Julien

Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Stunning concentration of fruit, precision and purity, a great vineyard expression and a totally great wine in the most simple sense of the term. Drink 2025-50. (19.5 points)

Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Fine extraction of black fruits, both richer and more tannic than the Barton, very good ripeness for long ageing. Drink 2020-40. (18.5 points)

Chateau Leoville Barton, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Fine concentration, quite understated at the start, then the purity and depth of fruit, classical Leoville firm texture and length becomes plain, a wine that repays keeping. Drink 2020-40. (18.5 points)

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Superb colour, an explosion of fruit above great depth and much more polished, deeper and fresher than the 2009, hard to imagine a better Ducru. Drink 2020-50. (19 points)

Clos de Marquis, Saint-Julien 2010
Fine cassis/violets nose, a perfect Saint-Julien with the precision and elegance of a Cru Classé. Drink 2017-30. (17 points)

Chateau Talbot, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Rich, very ripe cassis Cabernet fruit, smooth, even succulent flavours, quite an open style in this vintage. Drink 2016-26. (17 points)

La Croix de Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2010
Very good depth of Cabernet-dominated fruit, lightly spicy, silky length, perfect balance. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)

Chateau Saint-Pierre, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Dense, smoky rich fruit, succulent flavours over classic structure, fine freshness and strong tannins for the long term, probably the best ever from this rather discreet 4th Growth. Drink 2020-35. (18 points)

Chateau Lagrange, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Fine expression of Cabernet fruit, elegant, less robust than many, but very good texture and depth. Drink 2018-30. (17 points)

Chateau Langoa Barton, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Very good extraction of supple, succulent ripe fruit, a beautifully lifted and long palate, the length and harmony of a great Langoa. Drink 2018-35. (18 points)

Chateau Gruaud-Larose, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Big, typically smoky-spicy Gruaud nose, lots of fleshy fruit, lifted and almost exotic flavours harmonious depth and length, back on top form for the medium-long term. Drink 2018-30. (18 points)

Chateau Branaire-Ducru, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Lots of depth and already showing fragrance and complexity, perfect concentration and refreshing, harmonious length, another great wine from the château on top of its form. Drink 2018-30. (17.5 points)

Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 2010
Deep cassis fruit, already a fragrant and lifted nose, refreshing Cabernet flavours and good length, the quality of a Cru Classé. Drink 2017-28. (17.5 points)

Chateau Beychevelle, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2010
Beautifully concentrated cassis fruit, lovely aromatics on the nose, fine middle palate and good grippy tannins, a very good Beychevelle. Drink 2018-30. (17.5 points)

Graves & Pessac-Léognan (reds)

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Dense black floral fruit, great depth and ripeness, great structure and elegance, a superb La Mission. Drink 2018-40. (19 points)

Chateau Haut-Brion, 1er Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Stunning aromas of beautifully concentrated red fruits, already expressive, even exuberant, a taffeta-like finesse hides great strength for the long term. Drink 2020-45. (19.5 points)

Domaine de Chevalier, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Masses of beautifully concentrated fruit, nose already very expressive of vineyard class and perfect ripeness, already richly smooth and the tannins will ensure a long and elegant life ahead. Drink 2015-30. (18.5points)

Chateau Haut-Bailly, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Great depth of slightly earthy fruit, a lifted fragrance over great vineyard concentration, more backward than usual with a superb future, a magnified Haut-Bailly. Drink 2015-35. (18.5 points)

Chateau Pape-Clement, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Superb concentration of ripe Cabernet fruit, slightly smoky, potentially very complex, wonderful presence and richness on the palate, ripeness and tannins in complete harmony, very good indeed and a great future. Drink 2015-30. (18.5 points)

Chateau de Fieuzal, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Well-concentrated slightly smoky blackcurrant fruit, rich and broad flavours, a big fleshy wine with controlled power. Drink 2015-25. (16.5 points)

Chateau Olivier, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Well-extracted, quite meaty fruit with good tannins, florality and slight smokiness is there, a good expression of vineyard structure and class. Drink 2015-25. (17 points)

Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Fine concentration of cassis fruit and a slight leafiness brings lift and elegance, quite firm tannins to back up a wine with great finesse and depth. Drink 2015-30. (18 points)

La Chapelle de la Mission-Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Lovely fragrance from Cabernet Franc, depth and harmony, expressive and elegant. Drink 2015-22. (17 points)

Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Rich tobacco leaf cassis fruit, superb balance of natural vineyard concentration and elegance, already showing fragrance and charm, a notable success for this château. Drink 2015-30. (18 points)

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Fine aromatic red fruits over velvety texture, harmonious ripeness and structure, very fine. Drink 2015-25. (17.5 points)

Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Good firm, slightly leafy fruit, already showing fragrance and charm, very attractive over the medium term. Drink 2014-22. (17 points)

Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Lots of leafy cassis fruit, ripe and quite fleshy with depth, persistence, exuberance and elegance. Drink 2014-22. (16 points)

Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés

Chateau Figeac, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
This is a Figeac with plenty of substance but still elegant and fresh in style. Dense, lively, expressive fruit. Firm but fine tannins. Great length. Drink 2020-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau Troplong-Mondot, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
A modern beauty. Still has deep colour, power and density but there seems to be more refinement these days. Rich, complex nose with cassis, cacao, spice and menthol notes. Sumptuous texture, balancing acidity and long, firm finish. Drink 2020-2035. (18.5 points)

Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1er Grand Cru Classe (A), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Sublime wine. Fresh, floral, perfumed. More elegant and sensual than the '09. Pure, sumptuous fruit. Refined texture and tannins. Lovely acidity for balance. Seamless. Drink 2020-2050. (20 points)

Chateau Canon, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
I loved the '09 and this is as good if not better. Poised and elegant with great purity of fruit. Dense but long and linear. Beautiful texture and tannins. Drink 2018-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau Angelus, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
In the same league as the amazing '09 but an even bigger structure here. Tell-tale saturated colour. Busy, complex nose with spice, cacao and violet (45% Cabernet Franc) notes. Ripe, succulent fruit on the palate but not overblown. Lingering freshness behind. Powerful but refined tannins. Long, persistent finish. Drink 2020-2035. (18.5 points)

Chateau Ausone, 1er Grand Cru Classe (A), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
As pure as the '09 but a more emphatic structure. 55% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Fragrant fruit and floral nose. Dense, ripe fruit and an abundance of firm but finely knit tannins. Minerally freshness provides a classical edge. Great length and persistence. Huge ageing potential. Drink 2022-2060. (19.5 points)

Chateau Pavie-Macquin, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Rich, dense and powerful but extremely well balanced. Huge depth of fruit. Striking freshness. Bags of ripe tannin. Great ageing potential. Drink 2020-2040. (18 points)

Chateau Beausejour (Duffau-Lagarrosse), 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Elegant texture and tannins. Gentle, caressing fruit. Harmonious. Follows the progress made in '09. Drink 2018-2035. (17 points)

Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Another fine effort from this consistent estate. Spicy, lifted aromas and deep colour give it a modern allure. Lovely volume of fruit. Powerful but refined tannins. Persistent. Drink 2018-2040. (17.5 points)

Chateau Pavie, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Bound to court controversy again this year. Some will love it, others hate it. Aromatically pitched closer to the Mediterranean with raisined fruit notes. Rich, thick fruit on the palate. Bold and full but keen acidity for balance. Huge, tight muscular frame. Built for the long haul. Drink 2022-2045. (18 points)

Clos Fourtet, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Outstanding effort. One of the best from this estate. Could be a great buy. Dense, round, perfumed fruit. Lovely texture and weight. Balancing freshness and long, persistent finish. Drink 2018-2040. (18 points)

Chateau Pavie-Decesse, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Another powerful offering from this Gérard Perse estate. Like sister Pavie, a wine of extremes with raisined notes and muscular tannic frame lifted by the freshness of the limestone terroir. Huge ageing potential but not everyone's cup of tea. Drink 2020-2040. (18 points)

Chateau Grand-Mayne, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Solid, full-bodied with concentrated, layered fruit and firm, ripe tannins. Serious and consistent. Drink 2017-2030. (17 points)

Clos Saint-Martin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
This is a powerfully structured wine that will need time in bottle. Cherry aromas mixed with a chalky minerality. Long and persistent but balanced. Drink 2018-2035. (17.5 points)

Chateau Larcis-Ducasse, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Dark, rich and concentrated. Beautiful fruit at the perfect pitch of ripeness. Palate balanced by fresh acidity. Persistent. Harmonious. Drink 2018-2035. (18 points)

Chateau la Tour du Pin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
This property goes from strength to strength under owners Cheval Blanc. Elegant, perfumed, sweet and ripe with beautiful texture and tannins. Fresh acidity behind. Drink 2016-2026. (17 points)

Pomerol

Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 2010
Magnificent wine - structured, fine, cerebral. 62% Cabernet Franc - the highest recorded. Refined, complex nose (violet, berry, 'cacao' notes). Palate fresh and lively. Tannins plentiful but precise. Superb length on the finish. Drink 2022-2060. (19.5 points)

Vieux-Chateau-Certan, Pomerol 2010
More or less the same parcels and blend as '09 (86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet) but a different style. Less opulent and more classically defined. Lovely 'natural' fruit, huge concentration, more alcohol (14.5%), long, powerful tannins and the freshness that marks the vintage. A harmonious whole. Huge potential. Drink 2020-2060. (19 points)

Chateau Petrus, Pomerol 2010
A distinguished wine. Precise, honest without surfeit. A natural expression of the cru. Affirmed structure and length but tannins suave and refined. Lovely fruit expression. Harmonious. Compelling now but long ageing. More 'classical' than '09. Drink 2022-2060. (19 points)

Chateau l'Eglise-Clinet, Pomerol 2010
Undoubted power and concentration. Rich, dense and profound but reserved. Layered fruit on the palate. Bigger structure than '09 although a touch awkward at this youthful stage. Drink 2020-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau l'Evangile, Pomerol 2010
Dense and opulent, as is the style, but very refined. Full-bodied, succulent with a rich concentration of fruit. Powerful but with more apparent freshness than the excellent '09. Beautifully textured - tannins velvety and smooth. Long, clean finish. Drink 2020-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau La Fleur Petrus, Pomerol 2010
My 'coup de c%u0153ur' from the J-P Moueix stable this year. In a vintage of power this exudes elegance and finesse. Lovely fruit expression. Refined tannins. Long, persistent finish. Harmonious. Drink 2020-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2010
Slightly more assertive than the '09 but very fine. Deep colour. Lovely density of fruit - blackcurrant note on the nose. Has volume on the palate but freshness as well. Good line and length. Violet, liquorish notes on the finish. Firm, grainy tannins. Drink 2020-2045. (18.5 points)

Le Pin, Pomerol 2010
Has all the charm of the '09 but to my mind a touch more vivacity and structure. Lifted Burgundian red fruit and spice aromas and flavour. Supple caressing fruit on the palate. Decadent sweetness on the mid-palate then long filigree tannins. Drink 2020-2035. (18.5 points)

Chateau Trotanoy, Pomerol 2010
Dense, complex - a block of a wine this year. Definitely more virile than '09. Powerful tannic frame but layers of fruit and as always a minerally freshness and length. Drink 2020-2045. (18.5 points)

Chateau Hosanna, Pomerol 2010
Maintains the consistency established with the first vintage in 1999. Dense, full, savoury - exudes depth and power. Plenty of vigour. Attractive fruit. Long, firm finish. Drink 2020-2040. (18 points)

Chateau Certan de May, Pomerol 2010
Sweet and ripe on the nose with just a hint of jam. Round and supple on attack but with length and freshness in the tannins. Generous if a touch robust at present. Drink 2018-2030. (16.5 points)

Clos L'Eglise, Pomerol 2010
Undoubtedly a very good wine but at an awkward stage. Tight and firm with layered fruit but slightly intrusive oak. Winemaking has the upper hand. Drink 2018-2028. (16.5 points)

Chateau La Violette, Pomerol 2010
Rich in constitution but natural and elegant as well. Considerable depth of fruit, fine tannins and texture, freshness on the finish. Superior to '09. Drink 2018-2035. (18 points)

Chateau Nenin, Pomerol 2010
2009 announced the best Nénin ever in the Delon era and this follows suit. Dense volume. Lovely fruit. Fresh acidity and tannins. A little more linear and structured than the previous year. Drink 2020-2035. (17.5 points)

Chateau Clinet, Pomerol 2010
Dark, rich and powerful. Good attack. Undoubted depth and reserve but I prefer the balance and charm of the '09. Bit more extraction this year? Drink 2018-2035. (17 points)

Chateau Gazin, Pomerol 2010
Rich and savoury. Plenty of fruit on the palate. Powerful but refined structure. Persistent. Needs time but won't disappoint. Drink 2018-2035. (17.5 points)

Chateau le Gay, Pomerol 2010
Reserved aromatically but palate elegant. Purity of fruit, balancing acidity and fine, ripe tannins. Drink 2017-2028. (17.5 points)

Chateau Petit Village, Pomerol 2010
Impressive wine this year. The best ever? Dense, complex nose. Explosive fruit on the palate. Velvety texture. Plenty of freshness and a long, persistent finish. Drink 2018-2035. (18 points)

Graves, Pessac-Léognan & other dry whites

Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Slightly richer and broader fruit than La Mission, superb finesse over a fleshy ripeness and perfect harmony. Drink 2013-25. (19 points)

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Beautiful citrus elements over white fruits, already richly expressive with the weight and texture of a Montrachet plus the northern Graves salinity and minerality. A triumph. Drink 2013-25. (19.5 points)

Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere Blanc, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Superb expression of white floral fruits and perfectly harmonious minerality to back them up, will be very good young, yet last well, a pinnacle of achievement from this château. Drink 2013-20. (18.5 points)

Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Quite discreet but supremely elegant white florality and fruit, great persistence and harmony, a beautiful wine, hard to imagine a better Domaine de Chevalier white. Drink 2014-25. (18.5 points)

Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux, Bordeaux 2010
Fragrant slightly grapefruit nose, crispness and lemony length, great minerality and purity. Drink 2012-20. (18 points)

La Clarte de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Grapefruity and slightly exotic nose, fleshy Semillon fruit with Sauvignon lift, great harmony and length. Drink 2012-18. (17 points)

Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Exuberant expression of citrus fruits, spicy and quite exotic, full and fleshy with the acidity and minerality adding depth and structure, probably the best SHL white, combining as usual robustness and finesse. Drink 2013-20. (18 points)

Chateau Pape-Clement Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Rich, slightly spicy and almost exotic white fruits, superb ripeness and harmonious back-up of acidity, elegance and depth. Drink 2013-20. (18 points)

Chateau La Louviere Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Fine persistence of citrus fruits and natural ripeness, lovely structure and very good length, a fine, classic white Graves, worthy of classification for the white. Drink 2013-20. (17 points)

Chateau Larrivet-Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Attractive lemony flavours and very well-balanced fruit/acidity, has both charm and minerality, a very nice wine. Drink 2012-16. (16.5 points)

Chateau de Fieuzal Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2010
Rich, lemony fruit, ripe and expressive, good acidity to back it up, quite exotically fruity. Drink 2013-20. (16.5 points)

Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc, Cru Classe Graves, Pessac-Leognon 2010
Fine lifted lemony fruit, a lovely expression of the northern Graves, florality, fruit and acidity all in balance. Drink 2012-16. (17 points)

Sauternes & Barsac

Chateau Doisy-Daene, Cru Classe Barsac 2010
Super, pineapple-like nose, wonderful texture, perfect balance, very long, so pure and true to great Barsac type, with the salty element that's so nice for appetitive consumption. Drink 2016-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau d'Yquem, 1er Cru Superieur Sauternes 2010
Extraordinary purity of aromas, with an airy power difficult to rival, a new brilliant example of the actual style of the property, with the vintage's monumental body completely hidden by the refinement of tactile sensations. Some are nostalgic for the epic oily bodies of the past, not I (even if I greatly admire them). Drink 2020-2070. (19 points)

Chateau la Tour Blanche, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Bags of acidity balancing the very high sugar content, impressive, and as always an intriguing touch of Muscadelle-like floweriness which is the signature of the growth. Marvellous finesse. Drink 2020-2050. (19 points)

Chateau Suduiraut, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Super nose with some exotic pineapple/mango/passion fruit undertones mixed with Vouvray-like blossom-tree and quince jelly, enormous body, but incredible purity and crystal-like transparency, great length, a masterpiece! Drink 2020-2070. (19 points)

Chateau Rayne Vigneau, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Noble nose, with tea and white flower undertones (often found in 2010), more Vouvray or Riesling-like than traditional Sauternes, superb purity, great level of sugar but also perfect oily texture, very long and complex aftertaste, a great wine form this great terroir and a challenger for the best First Growths. Drink 2020-2050. (18.5 points)

Chateau Rieussec, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Some oaky, smoky elements dominating the fruity, juicy ones, but so impressive in the mouth. Great volume, great concentration, bags of refined and complex flavours, great length, and more Sauternes-like this time than Riesling. Drink 2020-2050. (18.5 points)

Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Golden colour, but with green edges indicating ability to age, some oakiness but as with Rieussec impressive texture and aftertaste, great class, and perfect 'Haut-Bommes' type (Haut-Bommes is the name of the most elevated Sauternes quarter). Drink 2020-2050. (18.5 points)

Chateau Clos Haut-Peyraguey, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Rich, creamy, wonderfully marked by super botrytised berries, lots of sugar but also lots of charm, comfort, purity and energy. A future classic, with an Yquem-like nobility. Drink 2020-2050. (19 points)

Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
Very rich and pure aromas, mix of agrumes and white fruits, delicious balance, slightly less precise sample than Clos Haut Peyraguey, but very similar in overall balance and texture. Great future. Drink 2020-2050. (18.5 points)

Chateau Coutet, 1er Cru Classe, Barsac 2010
Perfect balance, lots of class, super-refined texture, great length, great wine: purity and power! Drink 2020-2040. (19 points)

Chateau Guiraud, 1er Cru Classe, Sauternes 2010
More lactic notes than most, more intensity of yeasty undertones, very intense, great proportions, great style, great future, showing the energy of a perfectly cultivated vineyard. Drink 2018-2040. (18.5 points)

Chateau Nairac, Cru Classe, Barsac 2010
Perfect sample, protected more by carbonic gas than by Sulphur Dioxide, not far from fermentation, very rich and marked by noble rot, high alcohol content supportive of a long life and successful gastronomic pairing, not the most crystalline Barsac. Drink 2020-2040. (17.5 points)

Chateau Doisy-Vedrines, Cru Classe, Barsac 2010
Big body, rich texture, built for long ageing, with a completely different style from Daëne: less immediate purity, more power. Two different visions of terroir but nobody would complain to try both. Drink 2020-2040. (18 points)

Chateau de Fargues, Sauternes 2010
Paler colour than Bastor, delicate aromas (citrus-like), imposing, very long and rich, less evolved than many which will not surprise those who know how this growth works. Another argument to delay tastings of Sauternes babies... Drink 2015-2040 (17.5 points)