James Molesworth

James Molesworths Tasting Notes En Primeur 2010

As these are unfinished wines, they are scored in four-point ranges (e.g., 89–92 points) to indicate that the ratings are still preliminary. When the wines are released in bottle, they will be reviewed with their peers in blind tastings and given a final score

Top Scoring Red Bordeaux › White Bordeaux › 2010 Saunternes & Barsac

Top Scoring Red Bordeaux

2010 - CHÂTEAU COS-D'ESTOURNEL Score: 96-99
This offers a terrific panoply of dark tea, cocoa, savory herb and red currant confiture aromas. Remarkably dense, with loads of strapping dark fruit and tar in reserve. There's massive structure, yet this is rounded and so, so long. A huge wine in the making. This is going to compete with the elite of the vintage. A truly superb effort. Contains 1 percent Petit Verdot, for first time since 2005. Tasted non-blind.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PÉTRUS Score: 96-99
This is so creamy and lush, with layers of red, black and purple fruits. Shows muscle on the finish, but the fruit is here in spades, with terrific polish. Very, very long, with power and freshness. Tasted non-blind.

2010 - CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Score: 96-99
Sappy, dense and packed, with layers of kirsch, melted licorice snap, anise and black tea. Just as dense, if not more so, on the finish, with extra tar, violet and blackberry confiture. There's massive grip on the back end, but this is velvety and caressing. Easily the most backward of the first-growths at this stage. Tasted non-blind.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD Score: 96-99
This is all guile and elegance now, with sleek, perfumy black tea, currant and crushed fig fruit, laced with subtle smoke, incense and tar. Just as you think it starts to fade, the acidity kicks in on the finish and brings everything back for an encore. Tasted non-blind

2010 - CHÂTEAU LATOUR Score: 96-99
Lush and layered, with nearly endless fig sauce, currant compote and blackberry cobbler notes, wound with cocoa, espresso and charcoal. This is seamless, despite its power and range, with hints of violet, blood orange and spice box flittering in. Tasted non-blind.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MARGAUX Score: 96-99
Superfocused and superracy, with torrents of cherry, raspberry and plum fruit. Offering terrific mouthfeel, this glides by effortlessly, with a fantastic perfume developing on the finish. Long and iron-tinged. Really, really fine-grained. Other than 2006, this is the only vintage since 2000 with as much Cabernet Sauvignon (90 percent). Tasted non-blind.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LE PIN Score: 96-99
This is a stunning display of purity, with lush raspberry and boysenberry fruit, that never gets heady despite its obvious weight. Alluring spice and graphite notes flicker, but for now this is still exuberantly youthful and primal. And very, very long. Tasted non-blind

2010 - CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET Score: 96-99
Seriously dense, with thickly layered fig paste, macerated black currant fruit, Kenya AA coffee and roasted tobacco. But really fresh and invigorating throughout, with mouthwatering iron and apple wood notes. Despite the power, this cuts like a knife from the start. When the Bordelais say precise, this is what they mean

2010 - CHÂTEAU TROTANOY Score: 96-99
Extremely formidable from the start, with a wall of tannin-driven power that pushes the core of plum, fig and blackberry fruit to the background for now. Offers loads of flesh, with the tannic surge returning on the finish. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN Score: 96-99
Super broad and muscular, with lots of dark fig, currant and chocolate notes. A smoky tobacco edge on the back end is starting to emerge, and this begins to gush linzer torte and cassis with air. A very big wine. One of the stars of the appellation in 2010. 86 percent Merlot, 8 percent Cabernet Franc and 6 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, almost the same as 2009. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CERTAN DE MAY P Score: 95-98
Shows stunning depth and drive, with a deep well of blackberry and plum sauce and a lush structure. Superlong, with spice and anise echoing on. A tremendous young wine in the making. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CHEVAL-BLANC Score: 95-98
Lush and very rounded, with lots of muscle and heft, but also great polish and pose to the gorgeous boysenberry, plum and fig notes. Supercreamy on the finish, with bittersweet cocoa, violet, mint, anise and tobacco in reserve. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU HOSANNA Score: 95-98
Almost flashy, with stunning fruitcake, licorice, blueberry and plum sauce flavors. There's lots of definition already, with a gorgeous chocolate-filled finish. Merlot with 30 percent old-vine Cabernet Franc. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR Score: 95-98
Almost gushing already, with cassis and blackberry fruit. Supersilky and refined, with an incredibly long, velvety finish. This has heft, but stays graceful. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LATOUR À POMEROL Score: 95-98
This marries power and finesse, with a large core of smoldering fig and blackberry fruit, offset by black tea and aromatic spice notes. Fleshy but still stylish. A gorgeous wine. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE LAS CASES Score: 95-98
This has almost searing acidity running through it, but it's ripe and mouthwatering, harnessing a massive core of black currant and red licorice notes. Supertight but very fine-grained, this gets tighter, but also longer, as it moves along. This could age in reverse for a while, before it starts to unwind. A brick house. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LYNCH BAGES Score: 95-98
This is densely packed, with loads of crushed fig, plum and blackberry. Shows ample tobacco, roasted apple wood and bittersweet cocoa notes as well, but stays defined, with a long, authoritative finish that delivers waves of grip, backed by even more grip. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION Score: 95-98
This is loaded, with a torrent of pastis, crushed plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruit, backed by tarry tannins and a long, spice- and graphite-filled finish. Big, but very, very sleek. Highest percentage of Cabernet ever for La Mission (62 percent). Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - LA MONDOTTE Score: 95-98
Shows the density of the vintage, with the charcoal, cocoa and melted black licorice notes holding sway over a core of plum, fig and blackberry fruit. Dark and brooding now, but the core of fruit remains succulent and visible through the end, with serious minerality lurking in the background. Power combined with great cut. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MONTROSE Score: 95-98
Dense and dark, with a massive core of roasted fig, blackberry, espresso and bittersweet cocoa flavors followed by rapier tannins that drive through the finish. This has both richness and austerity. When it all comes together fully, this should be a superb wine. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MOUTON-ROTHSCHILD Score: 95-98
Another battleship in the making, with a massive core of red currant, plum and blackberry fruit laced with iron and roasted apple wood and backed by massive grip. Despite the heft, this is sleek and long, with terrific poise. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PALMER Score: 95-98
This dense red offers a big core of currant, plum and cassis, with lots of buried violet and anise. Really loaded on the back end, this is very muscular, but still velvety. Features saturated fruit on the finish, but stays restrained. Should be very long-lived. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN Score: 95-98
This is flashy, with overt blueberry, fig and boysenberry aromas and flavors, but plenty of polish and poise too, thanks to alluring incense and licorice notes. There's lots of range and grip. Really beautiful. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS Score: 95-98
Still tightly wound, offering lots of briar, linzer torte and spice cake flavors, with a dark licorice snap note lacing up the finish. There's lots of grip to this, which is a more structured version of Merlot than a wine like the sleek, fruit-driven Le Pin. But shows a mouthwatering, pebbly feel that should unwind slowly over a long stretch of time. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE BARON Score: 95-98
This is mouthfilling, with terrifically dense yet graceful layers of roasted coffee, warm fig sauce, currant preserves and Kenya AA coffee. The powerful finish blends iron-clad tannins and a hint of loam. Cuts a broad swath, but remains pure. Destined for a long life. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU VALANDRAUD Score: 95-98
Dense, with layers of fig paste, blackberry confiture and fresh boysenberry fruit flavors carried by dense, serious tannins that are still really velvety in the end. Extra spice, cocoa and black tea fill in the background. Impressive. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS Score: 94-97
This is really fine, with gorgeous mouthfeel to the notes of blueberry, plum and black cherry preserves. Shows alluring black tea and incense hints in the background, with ample, iron-tinged grip on the finish. This has density and elegance. Impressive. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU AUSONE Score: 94-97
Very sappy and intense, offering racy red licorice, red currant and violet notes, with nice taut acidity and a long, minerally finish. Combines power and austerity, with excellent drive. For those who like backbone in their wines. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE Score: 94-97
Shows blackberry and fig fruit, with a laser beam of iron-tinged minerality cutting through the middle. There's lots of perfume on the finish already, with great cut, and this is rather defined now, with a very flattering feel. Parcels are now two-thirds clay and one-third limestone due to replanting. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CANON-LA GAFFELIÈRE Score: 94-97
Ripe and dense, but very, very sleek, with lovely polish to the texture, which lets the layers of plum sauce, blueberry and boysenberry fruit glide along. Powerful but perfumy. A beauty in the making. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE Score: 94-97
Shows impressive power and purity, with waves of blueberry, fig and spice notes backed by black tea and graphite. Velvety and very long, this has some power in reserve, but it's really silky. A beauty. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE Score: 94-97
Offers lots of sweet botrytis character, with graham, heather honey, fig and glazed pear notes, followed by an unctuous finish. Mouthfilling, with some serious power in reserve. The most backward 2010 Sauternes I've tasted so far. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU L'EVANGILE Score: 94-97
Gorgeous raspberry ganache, fig and boysenberry fruit is liberally laced with fruitcake and graphite. Superracy, with linzer torte and red licorice taking over the finish. Very long, with lots going on here already. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE BARTON Score: 94-97
Dark and winey, with a terrific core of plum and macerated black currant fruit woven with a note of black cherry reduction. Tarry but polished. Grippy but velvety. And plenty long. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MAGDELAINE Score: 94-97
Plump, with a big core of plum and cherry. Long and silky, with a weighty finish. Typically two-thirds from calcaire and one-third from clay, but equal parts in 2010 due to replanting of some blocks. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PAVIE Score: 94-97
This is really gorgeous, with a flamboyant display of spice, warm linzer torte, blueberry and plum confiture aromas giving way to fleshy dark fruit and anise notes. Never overly weighty, with great cut and purity on the finish thanks to a superstrong graphite note. Shows power, precision and drive. —J.M.

2010 - PROVIDENCE Score: 94-97
Sleek, with a beautiful beam of red licorice and cassis. Long and supple, with a dense structure, but thoroughly integrated. There's lots in reserve, with lots of spice as well. Merlot with about 10 percent Cabernet Franc. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA Score: 94-97
This is a step ahead of the pack, thanks to its dense, sappy core of kirsch, blackberry and plum sauce that's offset by mouthwatering acidity and a long iron note on the finish. This has weight, but stays velvety and pure, with impressive length. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR DUFFAU-LAGAROSSE Score: 93-96
Ripe and exotic, but focused, with really enticing blueberry, violet, pastis and raspberry aromas and flavors. Lush and long, with lots of range and length. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE-MONDOTTE Score: 93-96
This sports the ample, fleshy, powerful core of the vintage, with dark blue and black fruits, but has extra drive, with mouthwatering acidity and lots of minerality cutting through on the finish. Shows great mouthfeel and purity. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BOURGNEUF Score: 93-96
Delivers a core of anise and red licorice character, with solid grip and definition already and a long, fruit-filled finish. A powerful style of Pomerol. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CLERC MILON Score: 93-96
Offers a more rounded feel, with cassis, black licorice and plum sauce carried by very supple but substantial tannins and terrific acidity. The long finish has a solid tarry edge. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU COUTET Score: 93-96
Really ripe and fleshy, offering delicious glazed peach, apricot and honey notes, with lots of orange blossom and fig and a very rich finish. Starting to take shape now too. Impressive. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU FIGEAC Score: 93-96
Exotic fig, boysenberry and blueberry preserves are married to polished tobacco and spice notes in this dense red, which has lots in reserve but is very sleek through the finish for now. It feels as if this will fill out considerably with more élevage. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA GRAVE À POMEROL Score: 93-96
Almost too easy, with a velvety feel and lush blackberry, blueberry and plum fruit. Shows lovely spice shadings, with a dash of anise. Very flattering, but stays focused all the way through. Thoroughly delicious. 100 percent Merlot. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE Score: 93-96
Offers a serious core of kirsch, blackberry and plum sauce notes, with lovely, velvety tannins taking over the pure, violet-tinged finish, which has length and grace. Shows more elegance than most of its peers in this vintage. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Score: 93-96
This is juicy and still compact, with a big core of plum sauce, pastis and graphite, followed by lots of kirsch and sweet spice on the finish. Still needs to unwind. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MALESCOT-ST.-EXUPÉRY Score: 93-96
Fresh and lively, with lots of prominent but silky tannins carrying the mouthwatering plum, red currant and black cherry fruit. Rock-solid, with great buried acidity and a long, vivid finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT Score: 93-96
A flashy, modern style, with lots of dark fig, anise and graphite notes, pushed by more black currant sauce and tar. Ample toast runs through the finish, but this has plenty of raw material. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PAVIE-DECESSE Score: 93-96
Hedonist alert-dense, fleshy layers of fig sauce, warm cocoa, dark currant confiture and exotic spice fill this red, which also shows plenty of grip, with a smoldering wood note on the back end. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC Score: 93-96
Extremely rich and bright, with lots of green fig, honey and apricot. Very lush and round, with some serious weight and power in reserve. Remarkably fresh now. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Score: 93-96
Really ripe, but with great focus, as linzer torte, blackberry, plum sauce and anise notes are woven tightly together, all carried by tar and graphite, with a long, seamless finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT Score: 93-96
Really big and rich, with lots of raw date, glazed pear, creamed peach and fig aromas and flavors. Very lush and long, but also clean and round despite its heft. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE Score: 93-96
Gorgeous apricot, ginger, green fig and honey flavors show lots of density, with a sweet, rich finish. A big one in the making. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT Score: 93-96
A powerful wine in the making, with a forceful beam of blackberry, boysenberry and fig fruit pushed hard by graphite and anise. Offers loads of grip on the back end, with serious length. All the pieces are in place. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Score: 93-96
Tropical and inviting, with lush mango, fig and papaya aromas followed by pineapple and creamed banana. The long tangerine finish is flattering and very open now, but the length is clearly there. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU D'ARMAILHAC Score: 92-95
This has a nice briary core, showing dark fig and plum flavors, with a backdrop of roasted sage and tobacco. Offers good muscle and heft, but also the rounded feel of the house style. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU Score: 92-95
This has guts, offering dark fig, plum and cocoa notes carried by velvety but substantial tannins, with a very long, smoke- and plum sauce-filled finish that has well-embedded acidity. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BRANON Score: 92-95
Really juicy and racy, with a great graphite spine supporting the dark linzer torte, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. Very fresh and long, with a tarry note hanging on nicely. —J.M.

2010 - DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Score: 92-95
This is loaded, with layers of gorgeous plum sauce, linzer torte and blackberry fruit melding beautifully with charcoal, spice and anise. The long, dark finish has some power in reserve, but it's rounded and enticing. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CLINET Score: 92-95
Rich and fleshy, with a cocoa powder frame to the blueberry, raspberry and dark plum fruit. Long, with some muscle, yet stays graceful overall. —J.M.

2010 - CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE Score: 92-95
A ripe, mouthfilling style, with lots of roasted spice, dark fig, currant confiture and mulled plum notes. The juicy, fleshy finish still has some toast to soak up, but there's great underlying acidity. —J.M.

2010 - CLOS DES JACOBINS Score: 92-95
This is loaded with enticing raspberry and blackberry fruit, along with crushed plum and cherry sauce notes. Sleek and racy through the finish, with the graphite edge starting to take form. Shows nice purity and length. —J.M.

2010 - CLOS DU MARQUIS Score: 92-95
A graceful wine, with beautiful violet and raspberry aromas and flavors. Very fresh and pure, with the floral edge lingering through the finish. Long and supple. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CLOS FOURTET Score: 92-95
Beautifully polished, with rounded enticing blueberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit that all glides through the spice-tinged finish. Suave and very long, with the structure already embedded. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE Score: 92-95
This has power in reserve, but relies more on its acidity, with juicy tangerine, clementine, pear and mango notes laced with a hint of green almond. The finish is long, pure and fresh. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DOISY-VÉDRINES Score: 92-95
Thick and spicy, with unctuous, still slightly raw-seeming layers of apricot, peach and fig. Ginger cream and green tea check in on the finish. Rather backward still, but there's lots balled up. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA DOMINIQUE Score: 92-95
An extrovert, with enticing plum, anise and blackberry fruit and a long, supple finish. There's plenty of stuffing and grip, but this is velvety and nicely assimilated, with plenty in reserve. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DUHART-MILON ROTHSCHILD Score: 92-95
This plump red offers black tea, warm ganache, fig and black currant confiture notes backed by a smoky finish, with pillowy but lengthy tannins. Acidity then rushes in at the very end, adding more length. An impressive step up for this wine. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DE FARGUES Score: 92-95
Unctuous and nicely formed already, with juicy apricot, green fig and honey notes. The finish is lush, but with nice cut, showing hints of toasted coconut and almond. Sneakily long. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LE GAY Score: 92-95
Rich but refined, with a pure core of raspberry, cherry and plum fruit. There's a gorgeous, silky feel through the finish. Very long. No heat here-it's all style. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU GAZIN Score: 92-95
This sports some power, with dark fig, plum and blackberry fruit, but still stays silky, with perfumy black tea gliding in on the finish. A lacing of iron shows some strength as well. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU GLORIA Score: 92-95
Mouthfilling, with a core of plum and black currant fruit that expands in the mouth, while tobacco, graphite and roasted fig notes filling in. Long, with a dark tarry edge on the finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE Score: 92-95
Juicy and still a bit compact, but with red currant, blackberry and roasted vanilla flavors. Shows the racy style of the vintage, with a solid core of fruit for balance. The pure, lengthy finish has nice polish, and this is rock-solid, with a flash of coffee at the end. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Score: 92-95
This is developing some real power, with glazed peach and pear fruit pushed by graham and honey notes. There's lots of viscosity on the finish, but with good underlying acidity. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY Score: 92-95
Seriously ripe, with dense, succulent plum and black currant fruit paste notes, laced with extra spice, anise and tar. This has great drive and cut, and is still a bit compact. Seems set for the longer haul. A seriously good showing for this estate. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR-GAZIN Score: 92-95
Juicy, with a muscular core of blackberry and fig. Lots of acidity is nicely buried on the smoke- and spice-filled finish, where a hint of plum skin lends an ever-so-slightly chewy edge. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON Score: 92-95
Pure, with a gorgeous beam of dark cassis and violet racing along, while black tea, spice, tobacco and tar flitter in the background. The finish is superpolished and very, very long. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LARCIS-DUCASSE Score: 92-95
A nice winey core of crushed red and black currant fruit is laced with ample anise and graphite notes. Stretching out nicely already on the finish, with fresh acidity. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE POYFERRÉ Score: 92-95
This is big, with layers of succulent blackberry, cassis and linzer torte pushed by sweet spice and a long, graphite finish. Shows lots of smoky, fleshy power, but really sails along. —J.M.

2010 - MAROJALLIA Score: 92-95
Almost viscous in its richness, with dark crushed plum, anise and blackberry notes and loads of velvety tannins on the briar- and black tea-tinged finish. This has some depth and muscle. An unabashedly modern style. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MONBOUSQUET Score: 92-95
This packs a lot in, with very lushly textured black cherry sauce, blackberry and boysenberry fruit all laced with anise, graphite and fig cake notes. The very long and fleshy finish is not shy at all. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LE MOULIN Score: 92-95
Sleek and restrained, with a gorgeous mouthfeel, as silky tannins are already lengthy, carrying the spice, linzer torte, crushed cherry and red currant fruit. A classy wine. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU NENIN Score: 92-95
Superfleshy but very direct, with long, racy raspberry ganache and red currant notes. Almost flashy, but stays focused through the long finish. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE LALANDE Score: 92-95
Very sappy and intense, with mouthwatering acidity framing the cassis, violet and tobacco notes, followed by a supervibrant finish that features lots of cassis bush character. The Petit Verdot isn't as obvious on the nose as the 2000, which had 10 percent in the blend, but just as prevalent on the taut finish, where there's plenty of spice, drive and cut. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LE PRIEURÉ Score: 92-95
Very dense, with youthfully raw plum, blackberry and currant paste notes layered with extra charcoal, spice and anise. The long, dense finish has plenty of stuffing. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU ROL VALENTIN Score: 92-95
A very rounded red, already showing an almost creamy texture to its plum sauce, blackberry and melted licorice notes. The long, polished finish makes this seem accessible now, belying the depth that's here. A serious young wine. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA SERRE Score: 92-95
Superfresh, with racy red licorice and cassis flavors, bright acidity and a very sleek finish. All from parcels on the plateau, by Trottevielle and Troplong-Mondot. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU TEYSSIER Score: 92-95
Ripe, but very lively, with the blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit bouncing along nicely, while spice and fruitcake notes are already melding into the core. Shows judicious toast and ample length, with some serious power in reserve. —J.M.

White Bordeaux

2010 - CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION Score: 94-97
This shows more clarity now than the La Mission white, with bright honeysuckle, green fig, verbena and green plum notes. The gorgeous finish just glides through, with the cut buried deep. Long and stony, with impressive definition already. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION Score: 94-97
Tight, with lots of verbena, blanched almond, green fig and plantain notes. Sports some power too, with a dense, lightly toasty finish. This has focus and length for sure, but just needs to stretch out. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT Score: 92-95
Quite ripe, with lots of tangerine, candied lemon peel and gooseberry notes carried by lush straw and salted butter flavors. Lengthy finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE Score: 92-95
A step ahead of the pack, with a lovely caressed feel and a toasted macadamia nut frame to the large core of yellow plum, straw and verbena notes. Offers a gorgeous feel on the finish. Long. —J.M.

2010 - DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER Score: 91-94
Very pure, with a stony frame to the straw, verbena and gooseberry notes. Superfresh, but not overly tangy, with a long, suave finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION La Clarté Score: 91-94
Fragrant, with kiwifruit, plantain and lemon curd aromas and flavors, laced with honeysuckle. Features a toasted macadamia hint on the finish. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU BROWN Score: 90-93
Fresh, with lively lime, verbena, tarragon and citrus peel notes, followed by a plump, juicy finish. Very solid. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIÈRE Score: 90-93
Ripe, with nicely rounded edges to the grapefruit zest, verbena and lemon curd notes. There's a dash of straw on the finish, where the cut and delineation show nicely. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CANTELYS Score: 89-92
Ripe and focused, with rounded yellow apple, melon and salted butter notes that extend through the straw- and heather-tinged finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CARBONNIEUX Score: 89-92
Rounded and inviting, with hints of pear and apple giving way to more citrus, floral and straw notes. This has good range, with a brisk edge waiting in the wings on the finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU COUHINS-LURTON Score: 89-92
A juicy, up-front style with mouthwatering grapefruit, kiwifruit and straw flavors and a well-integrated salted butter note on the finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DE FIEUZAL Score: 89-92
A zippy, brisk style, with tasty lime and lemon zest notes and a bright, thyme- and straw-tinged finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGEY Score: 89-92
Superfresh, with mouthwatering gooseberry and tarragon notes backed by verbena and straw. The finish is long and minerally. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LATOUR-MARTILLAC Score: 89-92
There's tangy drive to the tarragon, thyme, straw and lime zest notes, backed by a fresh, floral finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU MARGAUX BLANC Score: 91-94
Grapefruit, verbena, honeysuckle and lime flavors are all seamlessly layered, gliding through the bright, pure finish, with a stony undertow. Very pure. 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc, all barrel-fermented in a mix of new, second- and third-fill barrels. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 Saunternes & Barsac

2010 - CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE L'Extravagant Score: 94-97
Offers lots of sweet botrytis character, with graham, heather honey, fig and glazed pear notes, followed by an unctuous finish. Mouthfilling, with some serious power in reserve. The most backward 2010 Sauternes I've tasted so far. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU COUTET Score: 93-96
Really ripe and fleshy, offering delicious glazed peach, apricot and honey notes, with lots of orange blossom and fig and a very rich finish. Starting to take shape now too. Impressive. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU RIEUSSEC Score: 93-96
Extremely rich and bright, with lots of green fig, honey and apricot. Very lush and round, with some serious weight and power in reserve. Remarkably fresh now. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT Score: 93-96
Really big and rich, with lots of raw date, glazed pear, creamed peach and fig aromas and flavors. Very lush and long, but also clean and round despite its heft. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE Score: 93-96
Gorgeous apricot, ginger, green fig and honey flavors show lots of density, with a sweet, rich finish. A big one in the making. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM Score: 93-96
Tropical and inviting, with lush mango, fig and papaya aromas followed by pineapple and creamed banana. The long tangerine finish is flattering and very open now, but the length is clearly there. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE Score: 92-95
This has power in reserve, but relies more on its acidity, with juicy tangerine, clementine, pear and mango notes laced with a hint of green almond. The finish is long, pure and fresh. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DOISY-VÉDRINES Score: 92-95
Thick and spicy, with unctuous, still slightly raw-seeming layers of apricot, peach and fig. Ginger cream and green tea check in on the finish. Rather backward still, but there's lots balled up. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU DE FARGUES Score: 92-95
Unctuous and nicely formed already, with juicy apricot, green fig and honey notes. The finish is lush, but with nice cut, showing hints of toasted coconut and almond. Sneakily long. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Score: 92-95
This is developing some real power, with glazed peach and pear fruit pushed by graham and honey notes. There's lots of viscosity on the finish, but with good underlying acidity. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU FILHOT Score: 91-94
Fresh, with lots of floral, honey and orange peel notes followed by heather and marzipan and a bright, juicy finish. There's nice freshness in the works, with a very lively, spicy finish. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU CANTEGRIL Score: 90-93
Quite juicy and primal, with sweet pear, candied green apple and green fig notes carried by a frankly sweet finish. This has a ways to go before it settles in. —J.M.

2010 - CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE Score: 89-92
Still quite unevolved, with green fig, almond cream and apricot notes that need to stretch out. The finish is round and creamy. —J.M.