One of the best-run estates in the underrated and undervalued appellation of Cotes de Castillon is Chateau d’Aiguilhe, which is owned by Stephan von Neipperg. As with all of von Neipperg’s wines, Stephane Derenoncourt is the consulting winemaker. The blend is usually 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, although I did not see the statistics on this particular vintage. The 2010 (10,000 cases produced) achieved 14% natural alcohol from modest yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue, lots of cassis, crushed rock and floral characteristics, a round, generous, savory, broadly textured style and sweet tannins. Drink it over the next decade.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

92-93 Points, James Suckling - "This is so good already. What an amazing precision of fruit for this wine, with a blackberry and blueberry character as well as minerals. Full and super silky with lovely fruit. Gourmand. Tasty. I want to drink it. Always great value!"

  Wine notes

Crisp, elegant pineapple and smoky melon notes are present in this zesty wine.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

89-92 Points, Wine Spectator - "Starts with melon and verbena notes, with a hint of richness, before turning racy, with hints of chartreuse, lemon curd and vanilla and a refreshing feel. Tasted non-blind."

89-91 Points, Neal Martin - "A blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon, the Aile d’Argent is a little reticent on the nose at first but it opens nicely to reveal scents of grapefruit, dried pineapple and a touch of honeydew melon. The palate is well balanced with a rounded, leesy entry, good acidity, the Semillon dominated the lemon curd tinged finish. Good length. Very fine. Drink 2012-2016. Tasted March 2011"

2010 Alter Ego de Palmer: For many of the classified growths in the Medoc, the quality of the second wines has soared over the last 5-6 years, and Alter Ego is no exception. The 2010 Alter Ego is the richest ever made. Relatively high in alcohol, this is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Merlot. Thick and juicy, its black fruits intermixed with acacia flowers, camphor, and subtle smoky notes are followed by a plump, corpulent style of wine with loads of fruit, glycerin and texture. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. 

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

92-95 Points, Wine Spectator - "Velvety and inviting, with lovely dark plum and blackberry fruit, followed by a long, caressing finish. This has some grip too, but it's nicely integrated. Should have some staying power. Tasted non-blind."

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  Wine notes

Another tiny garage wine from St.-Emilion, this small vineyard owned by Michel Gracia (his flagship wine is the same as his last name) has produced a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that shows terrific elegance, minerality, freshness and precision. It is a big wine that is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The yields were only 23 hectoliters per hectare in 2010 because of the tiny Merlot berries and crop size. It will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and drink well for 20 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare, the 2010 may not hit the peaks of the extraordinary 2009 or 2005, but it is another fabulous wine from proprietor Hubert de Bouard. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color along with abundant aromas of acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice and subtle toasty oak in the background. A notion of graphite emerges as the wine sits in the glass, which tends to be a characteristic of Angelus. Long, rich, dense and full-bodied with high but well-integrated tannins, it will rival the 1989 and 1990 as well as the 2009 and 2005 as one of the finest wines made at this estate. At present, the 2009 has a slight edge because of its more sumptuous texture. Nevertheless, the 2010 is a great wine with a future of at least 30 years!

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

97-98 Points, James Suckling - "Wild aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate and hints of toasted nuts. Very intense. Full bodied, with super integrated tannins and a fabulous finish. Goes on for minutes. This takes off on the palate. Really impressive. 45 percent Cabernet Franc and 55 percent Merlot"

94-97 Points, Wine Spectator - "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."

92-94 Points-Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "The Angelus 2010 has a very ripe, quite opulent, dense bouquet with dark cherries, cassis, dark plum/Hoi Sin with good definition and a lot of ambition. The palate is full-bodied with very thick, bold tannins lending enormous structure to this Angelus. Layers of ripe blackberry, dark cherries and boysenberry with well integrated new oak. As usual, very modern in style, but very dry and tannic on the finish at the moment. Tasted March 2011."

92-96 Points, Derek Smedley MW -  "Rich ripe black fruits give depth on the nose and richness on the palate. Layers of flavour all add to the complexity and the sweetness of the fruit is well balanced by an underlying freshness. There is a firm structure but the tannins are rounded and the fruit underneath ripe and sweet."

18.5/20 Points, James Lawther, Decanter - "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."

  Wine notes

2010: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2010 achieved in excess of 14% natural alcohol. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a pronounced nose of underbrush, cedarwood, licorice and black currants. This attractive, elegant, mid-weight Pauillac should be drinkable early in life and last for 15+ years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

92-95 Points, Wine Spectator - "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."

90-92 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, delivering 13.85% alcohol with close 3.74 pH. The nose is a little muted at the moment despite rigorous coaxing, quite Zen-like with crushed stone, traces of blackberry leaf and cassis, gaining momentum with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly abrasive tannins on the entry although they will soften. This is a relatively masculine d’Armailhac without the glycerine you often find at this stage. More masculine, the Cabernet Sauvignon driving along to a stern but fresh finish. Good potential, but it will require cellaring more than usual."

88-92 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "Ripe black fruits enrich the nose with blackcurrant very much to the fore. The fruit on the start of the palate is rich and deep but towards the middle there is more of a red fruit character some raspberry backed by red cherry and this gives a lighter feel to the finish."

  Wine notes

Alain Vauthier’s wines have been so remarkable since he acquired full control of Ausone that readers probably feel I have thrown my critical wits away. However, the proof is in the tasting, and the 2010 Ausone is unquestionably extraordinary. There are 1,500 cases of this beauty, which exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as an exotic, seamless bouquet of incense, Asian spices, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied with a striking liqueur of minerality as well as a magical combination of complexity, substance and nobility, it reveals softer tannins than I expected for this vintage, so perhaps it will be more accessible in its youth than recent Ausone vintages have tended to be. It is another prodigious effort from Vauthier that should be drinkable in 6-8 years and keep for a half century.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

94-97 Points, Wine Spectator - "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.

96-97 Points, James Suckling - "There is something almost unnerving with Ausone this year. It has almost supernatural fruit character and earth shattering acidity. Full and tannic, it finishes with a dark fruit jam but then goes to citrus acidity and freshness. A tiny bit too much"

93-95 Points, Neal Martin, erobertParker.com - "A blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, picked between 5th and 15th October. The nose takes some coaxing from the glass; raspberry, a touch of Dorset plum, wild strawberry and with further aeration there are touches of orange rind developing. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins, very focused, hints of dark chocolate on the entry, wonderful mineralité and poise towards the seamless finish with a creamy veneer. Long in the mouth, this is a sensual Ausone."

19.5/20 Points, James Lawther, Decanter - "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."

95-98 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The nose is concentrated serious with a mass of fruit. Behind all of the richness the voluptuous power there is freshness red fruit and mineral that balances and gives elegance. The mix of flavours gives complexity and the fruit lingers long on the back palate."

18.5-19.5/20 Points - Chris Kissack, WineDoctor.com - The yield here is a 26 hl/ha - a remarkable figure in itself, although not really any different to 2009 or 2008 - giving 18000 bottles. The grand vin takes 67% of production. The blend is the usual 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, and the élevage will be in 100% new oak. A very concentrated hue here, dark at the core and with an equally dark crimson rim. Amazing intensity on the nose, which speaks of forest fruits presented in a very concentrated and defined, pure style, lifted and bright, and yet also clearly defining the pure, concentrated, fruit essence that they represent. I could savour the purity of this aroma all day. The palate is tense, concentrated and substantial, the fruit sits here like a rich, tightly packed ball, with a sorbet-like intensity, slowly unfolding and relaxing, and yet never fading for one instant, The tannins are silky and almost go unnoticed as a result, the structure very fine, seemingly coming from the acidity and grip of the fruit. But there are tannins here....deeply buried. This has a taut and effortless presence. Wonderful.

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  Wine notes

Readers looking for an exuberant, nearly flamboyant, exceptionally well-made St.-Emilion should check out this effort from the Garcin family, which has done such a fabulous job with their Graves, Haut-Bergey, and Pomerol, Clos l’Eglise. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from a beautifully situated vineyard near Troplong Mondot and Trottevielle, this cuvee reveals terrific fruit on the attack, mid-palate and finish. Abundant cassis and black cherry characteristics are presented in a juicy, savory, broadly textured style. The vintage’s freshness, precision and zesty acids give uplift to a big, opulent, fleshy wine. Consume it over the next decade or more.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

 90-93 Points, Wine Spectator - "Dark and dense, showing lots of fig, anise and blackberry aromas and flavors, with plenty of graphite driving through on the finish. This has serious density and range."

91-93+ Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Barde-Haut 2010 has a ripe nose of mulberry, blackberry and cassis with a touch of crushed violet. The palate is medium-bodied with a lot of very ripe Merlot, fleshy sweet fruit that is lacking just a little freshness and tension towards the finish. This was a very late malolactic that means the sulphur is denuding brightness a little at this stage, hence my plus sign. God knows how it tasted like to those critics who sampled it in early March. Tasted April 2011."

16.5/20 Points, Decanter -  "Lots of deep Cabernet fruit and lovely spice on the nose, really good depth and fine richness on the palate, finesse and depth, made for pleasure. Drink 2013-18."

Golden colour, rich, creamy, lots of sugar (not in the normal style of the property). The alcohol level is perhaps just under the level necessary for the best balance for long ageing. Drink 2015-2030.

16/20 Points, Decanter

Elegant crushed rock, red and black currant, spice box and earth notes result in a classic Pauillac to smell and taste. Dark ruby/purple-colored, slightly austere because of the robust tannins, beautifully pure and built for the long haul, patience of 5-7 years will be required and this 2010 should keep for 25+ years.

92-93 Points, James Suckling - "This really takes off on the finish. So long with a beautiful pure Cabernet Sauvignon character that has masses of currants and berries. Raspberries too and then turns to mineral. 78 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 percent Merlot, 2 percent Petit Verdot, and 1 percent Cabernet Franc."

93-95 Points, Neal Martin, eRoberParker.com - "A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon (compared to 74% in 2009), 19% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc cropped at 36hl/ha. Philippe Casteja said that they picked quite late, the last Cabernet coming in on the 19th October (about three days later than in 2009.) The alcohol level comes in at 13.5 degrees. The Batailley '10 has quite a creamy, sensual bouquet with macerated black fruits, a touch of crushed raspberry and a hint of vanilla pod. The definition is very fine. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, tensile tannins, a very good sense of symmetry that was discovered with the 2009, with the vintages telltale signs of graphite on the long finish. Very impressive. Quintessential Pauillac. Tasted April 2011."

16-17/20 Points - Chris Kissack, WineDoctor.com - "Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 19%, Petit Verdot 2% and Cabernet Franc 1% - very similar to 2009 just with slightly more Cabernet, slightly less Merlot - with 13.5% alcohol. This has a vibrant appearance, with decent concentration of colour. There is a rich, creamy fruit vigour here on the nose here. This is certainly promising. Quite smoky aromatically, and there is some influence from a rather flashy application of oak here. The palate has a very soft and gently creamed start, with the very broad and open style that I expect from Batailley. Lovely fruit quality though, and piles of charcoaly tannin underneath, and also good acidity to back it up. Really tight grip in the finish. There are elements here that are lovely, but it seems rather loose-knit. Nevertheless this is one of the best showings of Batailley I have ever tasted; if it tightens up in barrel it could be very fine indeed."

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16/20 Points, Steven Spurrier, Decanter - "Nicely presented ripe fruit, good balance and length, lovely balance. Drink 2014-20."

89-90 Points, James Suckling - "Solid core of ripe fruit with toasted oak and chocolate character. Full and chewy"

16.5/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW - "Distinctive autumnal notes on the nose. Fresh and vital and relatively lightweight but very serious. Round and polished on the palate. Full of appeal and with just a bit of leafiness to stop it being sickly. Lots of pure pleasure and confident attack here. Appetising. Sinewy."

85-89 Points, Derek Smedley - "There is a mix of fresh red and black fruits on the nose backed by sweeter richer flavours. The start of the palate feels quite supple but towards the middle there is structure but as the tannins are not over aggressive they do not hold back the fruit."

 84-86 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "Tasted twice, a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, there is a slightly roasted quality on the nose, dried herbs and scorched earth. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, missing a little fruit this year with a dry, slightly austere finish. Tasted April 2011."

  Wine notes

An opaque purple-colored, dense, tannic, powerful Pomerol, the 2010 Beauregard exhibits a muscular framework, abundant tannin and impressive concentration as well as sweet fruit. Atypically backward for a Pomerol, it requires 3-5 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades. Tasted twice.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

 17/20 Points, Decanter - "Just the ticket. Perfumed, floral, fresh with lovely length and line. Possibly the best ever from this estate. Drink 2017-2030."

16/20 Points, Jancis Robinson - "Mid to deep crimson. Very sweet, almost brûlée nose. And then a little hollow in the middle. No great persistence or life, though it is opulently ripe."

Since the wunderkind team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt assumed responsibility for this extraordinary vineyard planted on the clay and limestone southern slopes of St.-Emilion, quality has soared. The 2009 (rated 96-98+) was the greatest vintage since the estate’s prodigious 1990 and the 2010 looks to be its equal. Composed of 73% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon made from tiny yields of 21 hectoliters per hectare, the 2010 achieved a remarkably high 15% natural alcohol. However, the high alcohol is completely hidden by the wine’s freshness, high acids and modest pH. A remarkable nose of blueberries, blackberries, crushed chalk, acacia flowers, licorice and truffles is accompanied by an unbelievable minerality on the palate, full-bodied power, amazing texture, a multidimensional personality and a 50+ second finish. One of the most profound wines of the vintage, this 2010 should drink well for 30-35 years or more.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

 98-99 Points, James Suckling - "Clearly the best wine from here since 1989 or 1990. The intensity of dark fruits is insane with citrus and flowers as well as dark fruits. Full and lively with a finish that lasts for minutes but it is dense and impressive."

91-93+ Points, Neal Martin, eRoberParker.com - "This has a very refined, composed, well-defined bouquet with pure cassis and raspberry fruit, nice mineralité underneath that should become exposed by age. The palate is very fleshy and oaky on the entry but there is decent freshness here. Slips down the throat with ease with notes of crushed strawberry, redcurrant and a touch of Morello, very harmonious towards the finish if lacking a little backbone, but very fine nonetheless. Tasted April 2011."

17/20 Points, James Lawther, Decanter - "Elegant texture and tannins. Gentle, caressing fruit. Harmonious. Follows the progress made in '09. Drink 2018-2035."

16.5/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW - "Derenoncourt from 2009. Very dark crimson. Much lighter than the Villemaurine 2010 I have just tasted. Easy with much less of the exaggerated framework that characterises most of Stéphane Derenoncourt's 2010s though it is a relatively tough wine."

"Tiny yields of 21 hectoliters per hectare produced a wine with 15% natural alcohol. The final blend was 73% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Quite backward, as if malolactic fermentation had just finished, this opaque purple-hued, large-scaled, massive effort reveals high tannins, high extraction and huge concentration. Everything is present, but this wine looks set for a long life and will not be as sumptuous or opulent in its youth as the 2009 or 2008. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following three decades."

93-94 Points, James Suckling - "Layered and very structured, with blueberry and toasted oak character. Full and silky with ripe tannins. Long finish."

91-93 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The fruit on the nose is ripe all quite fleshy. Black fruits tend to dominate the start of the palate but towards the middle there are fresher flavours which balance and add to complexity. The fruit lingers on the finish."

89-92 Points, Wine Spectator - "Quite primal, with rich, crushed plum, braised fig and melted black licorice notes covered with an ample layer of dark cocoa. A bit squared off now, but there's length and a graphite note that merit patience."

17.5/20 Points, Decanter - "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."

16/20 Points, Jancis Robinson - "Blackish crimson. Very lightly cheesy nose and thick and solid on the palate with lots of 2010 trademark acid and tannin. Pretty raw and a little short on the finish."

17-18+/20 Points - Chris Kissack, WineDoctor.com - "This has rather a bold style on the nose here, with some slightly meaty oak tinged fruit. Lots of supple texture here, grippy tannins, rich and broad. The structure is in fact quite massive, although there is a bright layer of fruit above. Great substance here too. The style seems firm but harmonious with the necessary fruit included within the composition of the wine. Should be very good indeed, although in a very expansive style."

  Wine notes

One of the finest over-achievers in the southern Medoc, Belle-Vue is a 36-acre vineyard situated close to Giscours. The 2010's final blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and a whopping 20% Petit Verdot hit 13.5% natural alcohol. The wine boasts a dense purple color along with sweet black currant, cherry, licorice and barbecue smoke notes, medium body, supple tannins and a refined, elegant, lusty style. It is the kind of low level Bordeaux that sells for a song and will make consumers happy.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

17/20 Points, Jancis Robinson - "From the family of the late Vincent Mulliez, like Gironville. Blackish. Very chewy finish and lots of concentration on the way. Something like elderberry juice here. No shortage of oomph but this needs time. It’s a bit brutal on the finish at the moment."

88-91 Points, Wine Spectator - "Rounded and enticing, with a mix of crushed blueberry, plum and raspberry fruit backed by spice and toasty vanilla hints. Not shy about the toast, but there's plenty of fruit as well."

16.5/20 Points, Decanter - "Rich black berry fruits, elegantly extracted and good length, an elegant, polished wine. Drink 2014-20."

  Wine notes

One of the finest Bellefont Belciers I have tasted, this outstanding 2010 boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of kirsch, licorice and sandalwood, excellent fruit on the attack and mid-palate, a full-bodied mouthfeel and moderate tannin in the finish. This beauty will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring and drink well for 15-20 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

90-93 Points, Wine Spectator - "Dense and ripe, showing its wood today, this has lots of spicy aromas leading to flashy mocha, blueberry preserves and anise notes, with incense, vanilla and blackberry on the finish. Not as integrated now as most, but there are plenty of components in place."

17/20 Points, Decanter - "Fine, smoky, red berry nose. Palate fresh and harmonious. Good length and persistence. Complete. Drink 2017-2028."

From a fabulous location on the south/southwest slope near such notable estates as the two Beausejours and Angelus, this 15-acre vineyard has produced 1,500 cases from yields of 24 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, it offers up aromas of crushed rocks, black raspberries, black cherries and cassis. An opulent, full-bodied St.-Emilion displaying sweeter tannins than normal, this impressively endowed, pure wine is capable of lasting 20-25 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

92-93 Points, James Suckling - "A beautiful core of ripe fruits and berries, with currants and spices. Full and silky. Very polished."

90-92 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "There is a touch of ostentatious on this supremely ripe, gregarious bouquet with ravishing dark cherries, cassis and blueberries. The palate is sweet on the entry. Saturated tannins, ripe Morello cherries, strawberry and vanilla leading to quite an oaky finish. Very seductive but perhaps not quite as cerebral as recent vintages. Tasted April 2011."

89-92 Points, Wine Spectator - "Still a bit powerfully raw, with dark roasted spice and licorice up front, followed by a large core of dark fig, plum and currant paste. Noticeably grippy through the long finish. Rather backward now, but with plenty of guts."

89-92 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The nose has some rich fruit with more red than black showing. The palate starts sweet but freshness and tannin lighten the mid palate and slightly hold back the fruit on the finish."

17.5/20 Points, James Lawther, Decanter - "Incredible power and concentration. Possibly shades the '09 in this respect. Saturated blue-black colour. Dense, ripe fruit - essence of red fruit. Rich and concentrated on the palate but with minerally freshness. Firm tannic frame. Will need time. Drink 2020-2035."

16/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW - "Very dark crimson. Lively. Muscular and confident but pretty chewy on the end. Very firm!"

  Wine notes

This 5-acre vineyard, purchased by Chantal and Gerard Perse in 2001, is planted with 90% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It sits on the plateau above Pavie Decesse and Pavie Macquin. Yields in 2010 were 24 hectoliters per hectare and the alcohol percentage is 14.3%. A dense purple hue is followed by aromas of crushed rocks, acacia flowers, boysenberries, kirsch and blacker fruits in the background. The wine possesses great ripeness, a dense, full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and a massive style. It appears to be more evolved and forward than most Bellevue Mondotte vintages have been under the Perse administration. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20-25.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

93-96 Points, Wine Spectator - "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."

95-96 Points, James Suckling - "This just takes off with amazing combination of drark fruits and insane acidity. Citrusy and wild. Full bodied and powerful yet it's delicate and finesse. Owner Gerard Perse calls it sweet power! I agree."

92-94 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "A blend of 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this has a very intense, backward bouquet that despite leaving it five minutes in the glass, stubbornly refuses to open. The palate is very structure with a touch of graphite interlacing the ripe blackberry and liquorice tinged fruit (possibly from some very ripe Cabernets.) Very dense and powerful towards the finish, this is your quintessential vin de garde that will need long-term cellaring. Drink 2025-2040+ Tasted March 2011."

16/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW - "Very dark purple. Attractive aroma on top of very ripe fruit notes and a definite skein of minerality. Some lift with a bit of currant aroma. Very drying finish. Will this eventually soften into a wonderful partner for food? It seems difficult to believe. Currently SO angular! I thought the Perse wines were calming down a bit but now I’m not so sure."

  Wine notes

A strong effort from Berliquet, the 2010 was fashioned from yields of 23 hectoliters per hectare by the managing consultant, Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Composed of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it offers copious aromas of sweet kirsch liqueur, underbrush, plums and black cherries. This mineral-laced, deep, medium to full-bodied, moderately tannic, broad, savory St.-Emilion exhibits more power and depth than past vintages. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

90-93 Points, Wine Spectator - "Quite ripe, but with excellent focus, as the crushed blueberry, currant and fig fruit shows nice definition and length. There's lots of graphite and licorice notes, with a perfumy floral edge."

16/20 Points, Decanter - "Medium to full-bodied, supple, round. Berry fruit notes. Grippy tannins. Good but lacks a bit of zip. Drink 2016-2025."

  Wine notes

The 2010 is a solidly made, atypically powerful La Bernadotte from the owners of Pichon-Lalande. It displays notes of white chocolate, cedar, black currants and strong earthy undertones. Medium-bodied and fresh, it should drink nicely for 10-15 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

89-92 Points, Wine Spectator - "Racy and bright, with kirsch, floral and chalk notes. The finish has good nervosité and tension. Tightly wound now, but the length is there. Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Tasted non-blind."

90-92 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "A blend of 51.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48.5% Merlot clocking in at 13.7% alcohol, this has a lifted, quite assertive nose with blackberry, a touch of briary, cedar and pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly grainy tannins, just a little hardness at the moment but that should dissipate by the time of bottling. It is a little austere and conservative towards the finish but very good weight. Masculine."

89-90 Points, James Suckling - "A balanced and friuity wine with mineral, dried flowers and berries Medium to full body, with fine tannins. 50 Cabernet Sauvignon and 50 percent Merlot."

88-91 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The nose is packed out with rich black fruits with cassis and black cherry very much to the fore. The sweetness on the mid palate is underpinned by tannic firmness but they feel ripe. Towards the back the blueberry charm has a floral character."

  Wine notes

Flowery blueberry, red and black currant fruit notes intermixed with a hint of damp earth emerge from this wine’s moderate aromatics. Elegant with medium body as well as a classic Beychevelle style with high tannins and a more restrained structure, the elevated tannins suggest 7-8 years of cellaring will be necessary. It should keep for 25-30 years thereafter.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

91-94 Points, Wine Spectator - Juicy, with a beam of cassis and spice bread, laced with smoke, graphite and crushed plum on the velvety finish.

94-96 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - The Beychevelle 2010 displays very good intensity on the nose with dark berries, a touch of Dorset plum and an almost Margaux-like floral element. The palate is full-bodied, certainly a very powerful Saint Julien that reminds me of Ducru Beaucaillou. Enormous structure on the palate, silky smooth tannins, very nice symmetry with notes of blackberry, cedar and a touch of allspice. The rounded finish belies the backbone underneath although you can feel the grip on the aftertaste. This is as good as the 2009, but more masculine and will need longer to reach its plateau.

93-94 Points, James Suckling - Mineral, lemon grass and berries on the nose. Full bodied with ultra-fine tannins and wonderful finish. Lasts for minutes. This is the best Beychevelle in years. Maybe decades.

88-94 Points, Derek Smedley - The nose is quite firm but there is a good mix of black fruited flavours. The start of the palate has bilberry freshness but behind is richer cassis with a touch of black cherry. Firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit but there is the feel of more to show.

  En Primeur Recommends

  Wine notes

"Melon, grapefruit and lemon zest notes are present in this medium-bodied, dry, refreshing white."

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

  Wine notes

87-90 Points, Wine Spectator - "A floral, perfumy style, with a range of red fruit-currant, cherry and raspberry-laced with pretty spice notes on the finish."

16.5/20 Points, Decanter - "Lovely fragrant nose, pure Margaux, real quality and depth for a second wine. Drink 2014-20."

  Wine notes

An exclusive for American wine broker Jeffrey Davies, the 2010 Bolaire was cropped at 37 hectoliters per hectare. An outstanding sleeper of the vintage, its unusual blend of 40% Petit Verdot, 35% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon might raise a concern about tannin levels, but that does not appear to be a problem with this particular wine. A dense purple color along with sweet blueberry and black raspberry fruit and medium to full-bodied flavors transcend the appellation. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

Michel and Dany Rolland’s flagship estate, Bon Pasteur, turned out an atypically powerful wine in 2010. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color, great fruit on the attack, mid-palate and finish, super freshness for its size, full-bodied power and lots of mulberry, caramel, mocha, earth and graphite characteristics. Give this beauty 5-7 years of cellaring (unusual for a Bon Pasteur) and drink it over the following 25 years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

95-96 Points, James Suckling - "I love the crescendo to this wine. It starts up slowly and then builds and builds, with amazingly beautiful tannins and complex fruit and wood. Layered on the palate. Best ever from here?"

93-95 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertparker.com - "Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol and at negoçiants. The Le Bon Pasteur 2010 has a very pure bouquet with just a hint of anis, tightly wound at first but opening nicely in the glass with hints of orange-blossom. The palate is very difficult to assess at the moment with very bold tannins, very grippy and assertive. Affording the sample some aeration, it develops a touch of spice and dried herbs towards the finish. Sultry and brooding, this will demand several years ageing before it reaches its plateau but I like this style of Bon Pasteur. Look out for the name, Michel Rolland. I think he'll be big. Tasted April 2011."

89-92 Points, Wine Spectator - "Quite ripe, with slightly heady blueberry, fig paste and macerated currant fruit liberally laced with black tea, anise and toast. This has length, but verges on top-heavy."

86-89 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The nose has the richness of black plum and there is flesh on the palate. The tannins are quite firm and they tend to hold back the fruit and tighten the finish. It just lacks real complexity and richness."

An opaque blue/purple color is accompanied by impressively sweet floral notes intermixed with black currant and blackberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied with high but round tannins, the 2010 Boyd-Cantenac is exceptionally well-endowed, textured and pure. This under-the-radar estate (a classified growth in the famous 1855 rankings) never seems to catch the attention of consumers. It deserves better. Enjoy the 2010 for 25 or more years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

17.5/20 Points, Decanter - "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."

Proprietor Patrick Maroteaux has completed a decade of brilliant performances at this chateau across the Medoc’s Route de Vin from Beychevelle and a stone’s throw from Ducru Beaucaillou, St.-Pierre and Gloria. A fabulous effort, the 2010's notes of raspberry jam, black currants, crushed rocks and spring flowers are followed by a wine of impeccable purity, medium to full-bodied power, sweet tannin and stunning texture and length. With superb richness and beautiful overall equilibrium, it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for 25 or more years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

92-95 Points, Wine Spectator - "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."

91-93 Points, Neal Martin - "Tasted at the chateau and the UGC, the Branaire Ducru is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot including 10% of the vin de presse. It has 13.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.53. The nose is very primal compared to other samples with high-toned dark cherries, dark plum and cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tensile tannins, very good acidity and precision; not a wine of dimension like Ducru Beaucaillou but I like the subtle touch of spiciness interlacing the finish. Very fine."

88-92 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The nose has lots of ripe fruit just a bit sweaty sweet. Ripe black fruits give richness on the palate slightly sticky sweet but there is enough freshness right at the back to balance the rather fleshy richness."

17.5/20 Points, Steven Spurrier, Decanter - "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."

  Wine notes

After nearly two decades of mediocre performances, Brane Cantenac has been doing impressive work over the last decade. While the 2010 may not eclipse the 2009 or 2005, it is an exceptional wine from proprietor Henri Lurton. A dense purple color is accompanied by a floral-scented bouquet revealing notes of licorice, graphite and red as well as black currants. Layered, rich and concentrated, this impressively constructed, seamless Margaux has plenty of tannin, but it is buried under the extravagant fruit and glycerin. This rich, pure, authoritative 2010 should drink well young yet keep for 25-30+ years.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

18/20 Points, Steven Spurrier, Decanter - "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."

94-96 Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "Tasted on three occasions, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, raised in 70% new oak delivering 13.5% alcohol, the Brane-Cantenac 2010 has that trademark, very Pauillac style note, the Cabernet Sauvignon defining the nascent aromatics with graphite and cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fully ripe tannins, a little conservative on the entry but fanning out beautifully on the tightly wound mid-palate. Judicious use of the fleshy Merlot to balance out the Cabernet, composed and very harmonious towards the "classic" finish. Tasted April 2011."

91-92 Points, James Suckling - "Balanced and polished, with pretty tannins and an attractive fruit. Very elegant for the vintage. Lovely length to the wine."

89-92 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "It is very sweet fruited on the nose with lots of rich ripe feeling black fruits. The tannins although firm do not overpower the fruit allowing the mix of cassis and bramble to fill out the back palate."

15.5-16.5/20 Points - Chris Kissack, WineDoctor.com - This is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, and gives us just 13.5%. A lovely, dark, black cherry hue here. The nose has exuberant fruit, smoky and sweet, with a gritty, fruit-skin concentration to it. Nicely polished on the start, with quite plump fruit here, rather juicy, with quite a strong grip coming into it in the middle. There is quite a firm acidity as well. Rather savoury black plum notes coming in at the end of the palate. A touch of chewiness to the tannins here, with a grainy edge. A good if rather substantial effort, with the savoury and tannic grip at the end holding particular appeal. A good structure for Brane-Cantenac with the fruit to match here. And it has that effortless feel to it.

  Wine notes

The fruit from this vineyard, planted on a small outcropping of gravel close to both Haut-Bailly and Malartic-Lagraviere, used to be blended with Haut-Bergey until the Garcin family decided it had such an impressive potential that it had to be culled out. A blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the production is a tiny 6,000-8,000 bottles. The debut vintage, 2000, was one of the superstars of that superlative vintage. The 2010 reveals awesome potential. It offers a dense opaque purple color along with a glorious as well as classic Graves bouquet of smoky barbecue scents, blackberries, cassis, tobacco leaf and plums. Deep, full-bodied and pure with singularity, freshness and precision, this stunning 2010 should be accessible in 2-3 years and last for 2-3 decades.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

93-94 Points, James Suckling - "This has great fruit. So pure and beautiful, with blueberry, currant and raspberries. Full,yet very reserved, with a long, long finish."

91-93+ Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "A deep purple colour. The nose is very ripe with iodine, macerated black cherries and blueberry with good definition. The palate is fresh on the entry with dense, tannic entry, very closed at the moment, good depth but fine delineation on the finish. Masculine, obdurate but it should blossom after bottling. Tasted April 2011."

16/20 Points, Steven Spurrier, Decanter - "Lots of tobacco leaf fruit, good robust flavours, depth and terroir. Drink 2014-20."

  Wine notes

15.5-16.5/20 Points - Chris Kissack, WineDoctor.com - "The blend here is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. This sample has a dark and glossy hue, with a creamed-fruit nose reminiscent of dark and roasted cherries. The palate is supple, rather seductive, despite having a lot of structured and a fairly firm underpinning acidity. The fruit character is certainly very ripe, taking on a rather brawny feel, showing more of the roasted composition that was evident on the nose. In the glass it seems to hone itself a little, also showing better defined fruit with a fresher feel, given a little time."

15.5/20 Points, Decanter - "Floral red berry fruits, good Cabernet-dominated structure, Graves charm and elegant firm finish. Drink 2014-18."

Pale, very aromatic and fresh, very refined with splendidly integrated sugar, wonderful quality of fruit, so pure, by far the best Caillou in more than 20 years. Drink 2010-2040.

18/20 Points, Decanter

A higher alcohol content (13.8% versus 13.4% in 2009), but lower pH (3.7 versus 3.9 in 2009) has resulted in a concentrated, textured wine that requires a decade of cellaring. It will keep for 35-40 years thereafter. The 2010 harvest at Calon Segur occurred between September 25 and October 14, and the final blend was 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of plums, kirsch, licorice, incense and herbs. Full-bodied, moderately tannic, pure, fresh and precise, this beauty will require lots of patience from prospective purchasers. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (194)

19/20 Points, Steven Spurrier, Decanter - "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."

91-95 Points, Derek Smedley MW - "The nose has lots of different black fruits with a mix of bramble and black cherry. Freshness is very much in evidence on the palate quite light and fragrant. Sweeter more concentrated cassis shows towards the back the sweetness helped by ripe feeling tannins. The finish is bright and long."

91-93+ Points, Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com - "Primeur sample tasted at the Château, the Calon-Segur is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the Cabernet cropped between the 5th and 14th October. It has all those tertiary, smoky scents one associated with this Saint Estephe, quite rustic when compared to Montrose ’10 but full of character and freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with quite brusque tannins on the entry, a little aggressive when compared to some of the other primeur samples but this will be polished by the oak before bottling. There is a lot of matière: masculine, earthy, gentle but insistent grip that leads to finish as redoubtable as Mme Gasqueton herself, It is a little rough round the edges at this stage and I just feel that 100% new oak is maybe a little excessive? Nonetheless, it retains freshness and is very promising."

92-93 Points, James Suckling - "A racy and refined red, with currants and hints of tobacco. Full and very silky. Delicate and elegant. Very long, with wonderful acidity. So friendly at this stage. A touch of fresh herbs. Like to see a little more concentration but outstanding."

  Wine notes