Suckling goes gaga over the 2010's

[Claret]

From todays PC offering:


James Suckling in his just released tasting report: '2010 Bordeaux in Bottle'


"2010 is a fabulous vintage that you shouldn't miss -- truly superb. It's a twin vintage in quality to the great 2009, but it's very much different in style!"

"I actually gave more perfect scores in 2010 than in 2009. These perfect wines were so moving, so impressive!"


“The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux is truly superb. It’s a twin vintage in quality to the great 2009, but it’s very much different in style. The 2010 reds have more tannin structure, slightly more acidity than 2009, and, in many cases, more alcohol. It sounds like a cliché, but as one winemaker said to me during my three weeks in Bordeaux tasting, it is a vintage with more of everything.

I still like 2009 slightly more overall as THE modern vintage for Bordeaux, but I have to wonder whether I will prefer 2010 later on? The 2010 is slightly more classical in style due to its impressive tannin structure and creamy, bright acidity. But it’s impossible to deny the sexiness of the 2009. That vintage is just TOO wonderful to say it isn’t the greatest yet.

Debating one’s preference for 2009 or 2010 is a great problem to have for anyone who loves great Bordeaux. Regardless of what you prefer, you can’t lose either way. Outstanding wines exist across the board in both vintages from the greatest chateaux to the simplest vineyard. That’s the sign of a great vintage for me. Other modern great years like that were 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1989, and 1982.

I actually gave more perfect scores in 2010 than in 2009. These perfect wines were so moving, so impressive. They have unparalleled structure and richness, but at the same time, they have balance and harmony – even with relatively high alcohols. The greatest are not aggressive and already give great pleasure. They underline how great vintages of Bordeaux are always wonderful to taste, whether from barrel or bottle.

“There is a freshness and approachability to the 2010 but there is structure as well,” says Pierre Lurton, the head of Cheval Blanc as well as d’Yquem. “The 2009 is more sunny. 2010 is more racy.”
Many things contributed to the greatness of 2010 for Bordeaux. As I have written in the past, the wet winter helped the vines continue growing during the dry summer, which was one of the driest in memory. The cool nights helped maintain acidities and perfumes in the grapes and, therefore, gave this quality to the wines. The grape yields were slightly lower than 2009, and the berries slightly smaller, adding to their concentration. And, finally, the grapes were left a little longer on the vine than past top years due to the less extreme weather conditions in August and September. This all added up to gorgeous ripe grapes that produced wines with bright acidities, ripe fruit, and creamy tannins.


“It’s a vintage that has everything, but it was important not make wines too tannic and to keep your acidity,” says Jean-Philippe Delmas, the head winemaker of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion.
I scored 11 wines 100 points including Cheval Blanc, Ducru-Beaucaillou, La Mission-Haut-Brion, Lafleur, Latour, Le Pin, Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild, Petrus, Pontet Canet, and Vieux-Château-Certan. Only Lafleur, Latour, Margaux, and Vieux-Château-Certan also received perfect scores in 2009.


There are another four wines at 99 points and 11 at 98 points."

Red Bordeaux
2010 Ausone (pre-arrival)
1699.00

98 points Suckling: "The nose is so deep and almost endless with dried strawberries, blueberries, and incense. Citrus too. Some prunes. Full body, with chewy yet polished tannin quality and tension. Beautiful focus and balance with a richness and delicacy at the same time. Something almost Burgundian. It's the purity of fruit. 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. Try in 2020."


2010 Ausone Magnum (pre-arrival)
3403.00

98 points Suckling: "The nose is so deep and almost endless with dried strawberries, blueberries, and incense. Citrus too. Some prunes. Full body, with chewy yet polished tannin quality and tension. Beautiful focus and balance with a richness and delicacy at the same time. Something almost Burgundian. It's the purity of fruit. 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. Try in 2020."


2010 Calon Segur 1/2 (pre-arrival)
47.99

96 points Suckling: "Sure pure fruit to this red with a minerality and floral undertone. You can smell the warm stones. Full body, with a beautiful depth of fruit and velvety tannins. Dense and balanced. Layered with a light salty and meaty character as well. Great length. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Try in 2017."


2010 Canon (pre-arrival)
79.99

96 points Suckling: "Wonderful nose with strawberries, cherry blossom, and vanilla. The red opens up with blueberries, milk chocolate and sweet licorice. Full and juicy on palate with pure dark fruit and velvety tannins. So nicely layered texture and long in the finish with red fruit and crushed chalk. The texture is superb. Drink from 2018."


2010 Cheval Blanc (pre-arrival)
899.99

100 points Suckling: "The aroma in this wine is crazy with flowers, mushroom, forest floor, and fruit. It seems like I am walking through a row of the vines in Cheval Blanc when I have my nose in the glass. It's full-bodied, with fabulous layers of ultra-fine tannins and milk chocolate, raspberries, and a phenomenal finish. Truly one of the greatest Chevals ever. Better than 2009. Try in 2020."


2010 Cheval Blanc 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
4999.99

100 points Suckling: "The aroma in this wine is crazy with flowers, mushroom, forest floor, and fruit. It seems like I am walking through a row of the vines in Cheval Blanc when I have my nose in the glass. It's full-bodied, with fabulous layers of ultra-fine tannins and milk chocolate, raspberries, and a phenomenal finish. Truly one of the greatest Chevals ever. Better than 2009. Try in 2020."


2010 Cheval Blanc Magnum (pre-arrival)
2500.00

100 points Suckling: "The aroma in this wine is crazy with flowers, mushroom, forest floor, and fruit. It seems like I am walking through a row of the vines in Cheval Blanc when I have my nose in the glass. It's full-bodied, with fabulous layers of ultra-fine tannins and milk chocolate, raspberries, and a phenomenal finish. Truly one of the greatest Chevals ever. Better than 2009. Try in 2020."


2010 Clinet (pre-arrival)
127.99

97 points Suckling: "Gorgeous nose with lots of dark fruit like plum and blueberries. Crushed pepper and chalk with wild strawberries and vanilla. Dense and velvety on the palate with superbly polished tannins and great depth. It's absolutely gorgeous now but needs at least five to six years of bottle age to really shows its great quality."


2010 Clinet 3 Liter (pre-arrival)
555.00

97 points Suckling: "Gorgeous nose with lots of dark fruit like plum and blueberries. Crushed pepper and chalk with wild strawberries and vanilla. Dense and velvety on the palate with superbly polished tannins and great depth. It's absolutely gorgeous now but needs at least five to six years of bottle age to really shows its great quality."


2010 Clinet Magnum (pre-arrival)
273.00

97 points Suckling: "Gorgeous nose with lots of dark fruit like plum and blueberries. Crushed pepper and chalk with wild strawberries and vanilla. Dense and velvety on the palate with superbly polished tannins and great depth. It's absolutely gorgeous now but needs at least five to six years of bottle age to really shows its great quality."


2010 Cos d'Estournel (pre-arrival)
219.99

97 points Suckling: "Lifted nose of dried flowers, walnuts and dark fruits. Intense nose. A full-bodied wine, with powerful flavors of blackberries, coffee, dried herbs and spices. Super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Layered and flashy. Try in 2018."


2010 Cos d'Estournel 1/2 (pre-arrival)
145.00

97 points Suckling: "Lifted nose of dried flowers, walnuts and dark fruits. Intense nose. A full-bodied wine, with powerful flavors of blackberries, coffee, dried herbs and spices. Super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Layered and flashy. Try in 2018."


2010 Cos d'Estournel 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
1099.00

97 points Suckling: "Lifted nose of dried flowers, walnuts and dark fruits. Intense nose. A full-bodied wine, with powerful flavors of blackberries, coffee, dried herbs and spices. Super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Layered and flashy. Try in 2018."


2010 Cos d'Estournel Magnum (pre-arrival)
583.00

97 points Suckling: "Lifted nose of dried flowers, walnuts and dark fruits. Intense nose. A full-bodied wine, with powerful flavors of blackberries, coffee, dried herbs and spices. Super silky tannins and a long, long finish. Layered and flashy. Try in 2018."


2010 Ducru Beaucaillou (pre-arrival)
219.99

100 points Suckling: "The nose is phenomenal with perfect aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon with currant bush, blackberries and minerals. A pure expression of Cab. The palate is perfect with a full body, but has perfectly integrated tannins with a texture like the finest cashmere. It's strong but noble with perfect form and beauty. All in harmony. A fabulous wine that everyone who loves Bordeaux should have a bottle or case of. Better in 2020."


2010 Ducru Beaucaillou 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
1250.00

100 points Suckling: "The nose is phenomenal with perfect aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon with currant bush, blackberries and minerals. A pure expression of Cab. The palate is perfect with a full body, but has perfectly integrated tannins with a texture like the finest cashmere. It's strong but noble with perfect form and beauty. All in harmony. A fabulous wine that everyone who loves Bordeaux should have a bottle or case of. Better in 2020."


2010 Figeac (pre-arrival)
235.00

98 points Suckling: "This is phenomenal on the nose with blackberries, fresh cep mushrooms, forest fruit, and earth. Turns to hazelnuts and dark berries. Subtle. Breathtaking. It's full-bodied on the palate, with superb tannins that last for minutes. The flavor is subtle yet incredible. Love the texture. It is the same wonderful quality level as 2009. This is so fabulous to taste now, but so much better in 2018."


2010 Figeac Magnum (pre-arrival)
473.00

98 points Suckling: "This is phenomenal on the nose with blackberries, fresh cep mushrooms, forest fruit, and earth. Turns to hazelnuts and dark berries. Subtle. Breathtaking. It's full-bodied on the palate, with superb tannins that last for minutes. The flavor is subtle yet incredible. Love the texture. It is the same wonderful quality level as 2009. This is so fabulous to taste now, but so much better in 2018."


2010 Grand Puy Lacoste
79.99

95 points Suckling: "Intense hazelnuts and blackberries on the nose follow through to a full to medium body, with chocolate and berry flavors and firm tannins. Not giving away a lot at the finish at the moment. Reserved and sophisticated. But structured and chewy. Try in 2017."


2010 Haut Brion (pre-arrival)
799.99

97 points Suckling: "This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020."


2010 Haut Brion 1/2 (pre-arrival)
451.00

97 points Suckling: "This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020."


2010 Haut Brion 3 Liter (pre-arrival)
3615.00

97 points Suckling: "This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020."


2010 Haut Brion Magnum (pre-arrival)
1800.00

97 points Suckling: "This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020."


2010 La Conseillante 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
1099.00

98 points Suckling: "Beautiful nose with cocoa powder, exotic flowers, candied violets and loads of dark berries. Great aromatic complexity. Amazing texture on palate with a superb precision and silky tannins. So beautifully composed showing already great harmony. Difficult to wait! Better in 2018."


2010 La Conseillante Magnum (pre-arrival)
463.00

98 points Suckling: "Beautiful nose with cocoa powder, exotic flowers, candied violets and loads of dark berries. Great aromatic complexity. Amazing texture on palate with a superb precision and silky tannins. So beautifully composed showing already great harmony. Difficult to wait! Better in 2018."


2010 La Mission Haut Brion (pre-arrival)
699.99

100 points Suckling: "This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020."


2010 La Mission Haut Brion 3 Liter (pre-arrival)
3615.00

100 points Suckling: "This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020."


2010 La Mission Haut Brion 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
4999.99

100 points Suckling: "This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020."


2010 La Mission Haut Brion Magnum (pre-arrival)
1800.00

100 points Suckling: "This is crazy. The nose is so unique with the iodine, stones and currant aromas with wet earth and mushroom. Aromas like this don't usually come out until 10 years or so in the bottle. Classic nose for this estate. Full-bodied, with an amazing palate of firm yet polished tannins and a solid palate. So dense and gorgeous. It is really stunning. Try in 2020."


2010 Lafite Rothschild (pre-arrival)
1195.00

99 points Suckling: "This is shy and not giving its all at the moment. Yet it is full and intense with a tightly intertwined tannic and fruit structure. Ethereal blackberry, currant, cedar, and nutty flavors. Dried flowers too. Cedar jewel box smell comes out with time. Great finish. So, so long and harmonious. Try in 2018."


2010 Lafite Rothschild 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
6475.00

99 points Suckling: "This is shy and not giving its all at the moment. Yet it is full and intense with a tightly intertwined tannic and fruit structure. Ethereal blackberry, currant, cedar, and nutty flavors. Dried flowers too. Cedar jewel box smell comes out with time. Great finish. So, so long and harmonious. Try in 2018."


2010 Lafleur (pre-arrival)
1299.00

100 points Suckling: "This red shows such beautiful and ripe aromas of blackberries, orange peel, hazelnuts, and tropical fruits. It's full-bodied, with superb texture of polished tannins that are velvety. The length last for minutes. It's muscular yet elegant. It flexes it muscle yet pulls them back. What gorgeous tone to this young red. Try in 2020."


2010 Lafleur 3 Liter (pre-arrival)
3625.00

100 points Suckling: "This red shows such beautiful and ripe aromas of blackberries, orange peel, hazelnuts, and tropical fruits. It's full-bodied, with superb texture of polished tannins that are velvety. The length last for minutes. It's muscular yet elegant. It flexes it muscle yet pulls them back. What gorgeous tone to this young red. Try in 2020."


2010 Lafleur 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
7250.00

100 points Suckling: "This red shows such beautiful and ripe aromas of blackberries, orange peel, hazelnuts, and tropical fruits. It's full-bodied, with superb texture of polished tannins that are velvety. The length last for minutes. It's muscular yet elegant. It flexes it muscle yet pulls them back. What gorgeous tone to this young red. Try in 2020."


2010 Latour (pre-arrival)
1199.00

100 points Suckling: "The aromas of flowers such as roses, violets and lilacs jump from the glass then turn to dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries. It's full-bodied, with velvety tannins and dense and intense with a chocolate, berry and currant character. This is juicy and rich with wood still showing a bit, but it's all coming together wonderfully. Muscular yet toned. Another perfect wine like the 2010. Try in 2022."


2010 Le Pin (pre-arrival)
2399.00

100 points Suckling: "Dreamlike deep nose with blackberries, graphite and some smoky notes. Opens with licorice, vanilla and red fruit. Full and intensely fruity on the palate with lots of dark berries. Complex, dense and deeply structured with polished tannins and a great finish that just goes on and on. The balance is amazing. Even better than 2009. Drink from 2018."


2010 l'Eglise Clinet Magnum (pre-arrival)
865.00

98 points Suckling: "Sweet berries with hints of incense and spices on the nose with black truffles. Very ripe but not over-the-top. This is full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a smoky wood and mushroom undertone. It's dense and impressive yet very balanced. I like it, slightly better quality than the 2009. Give the wine five or six years of bottle age to soften before opening."


2010 Leoville las Cases (pre-arrival)
249.99

99 points Suckling: "The aromas to this wine have a beautiful purity of raspberries, blueberries, currants, and flowers that follow to a a full body, with super integrated tannins that are like the finest silk in texture. It shows elegant and pretty fruit character and a reserve and finesse of such great years as 1989 and 1995. The bright strong acidity gives a crunchy and creamy texture. This has a tiny bit more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than 2009. Give it at least six to eight years of bottle age."


2010 Leoville las Cases 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
1450.00

99 points Suckling: "The aromas to this wine have a beautiful purity of raspberries, blueberries, currants, and flowers that follow to a a full body, with super integrated tannins that are like the finest silk in texture. It shows elegant and pretty fruit character and a reserve and finesse of such great years as 1989 and 1995. The bright strong acidity gives a crunchy and creamy texture. This has a tiny bit more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than 2009. Give it at least six to eight years of bottle age."


2010 Leoville las Cases Magnum (pre-arrival)
583.00

99 points Suckling: "The aromas to this wine have a beautiful purity of raspberries, blueberries, currants, and flowers that follow to a a full body, with super integrated tannins that are like the finest silk in texture. It shows elegant and pretty fruit character and a reserve and finesse of such great years as 1989 and 1995. The bright strong acidity gives a crunchy and creamy texture. This has a tiny bit more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than 2009. Give it at least six to eight years of bottle age."


2010 Leoville Poyferre (pre-arrival)
134.99

95 points Suckling: "Wow. Very intense and aromatic nose with crushed currants and blueberries with hints of nuts and dried flowers. Full body, with very refined tannins and a lovely undercurrent of fruit. Balanced and juicy. Better in 2018."


2010 l'Evangile (pre-arrival)
229.99

96 points Suckling: "Extremely complex with black olives, violets and brown sugar. Superb nose. Full body with a impressive density and richness. The quality of the tannins is so very stunning, giving a wonderful texture. Fresh and bright. Such length. Try in 2017."


2010 Lynch Bages (pre-arrival)
155.00

98 points Suckling: "A wine with great beauty and finesse. Such elegance and ethereal quality for this estate. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a juicy delicious finish. Long and beautiful. This is the best Lynch in a long, long time. I love the precision here. Try in 2018."


2010 Lynch Bages Magnum (pre-arrival)
313.00

98 points Suckling: "A wine with great beauty and finesse. Such elegance and ethereal quality for this estate. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a juicy delicious finish. Long and beautiful. This is the best Lynch in a long, long time. I love the precision here. Try in 2018."


2010 Margaux (pre-arrival)
799.99

100 points Suckling: "This was phenomenal from barrel and remains so. The aromas are spellbinding. It smells like a bouquet of pink roses and then goes to currants, berries and citrus. Full body, with wonderfully refined tannins. It starts discretely and then grows to different levels and dimensions like a slow but big high tide. The texture is so beautiful. Try it in 2020 or beyond."


2010 Margaux 3 Liter (pre-arrival)
3615.00

100 points Suckling: "This was phenomenal from barrel and remains so. The aromas are spellbinding. It smells like a bouquet of pink roses and then goes to currants, berries and citrus. Full body, with wonderfully refined tannins. It starts discretely and then grows to different levels and dimensions like a slow but big high tide. The texture is so beautiful. Try it in 2020 or beyond."


2010 Margaux 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
4999.99

100 points Suckling: "This was phenomenal from barrel and remains so. The aromas are spellbinding. It smells like a bouquet of pink roses and then goes to currants, berries and citrus. Full body, with wonderfully refined tannins. It starts discretely and then grows to different levels and dimensions like a slow but big high tide. The texture is so beautiful. Try it in 2020 or beyond."


2010 Margaux Magnum (pre-arrival)
1799.00

100 points Suckling: "This was phenomenal from barrel and remains so. The aromas are spellbinding. It smells like a bouquet of pink roses and then goes to currants, berries and citrus. Full body, with wonderfully refined tannins. It starts discretely and then grows to different levels and dimensions like a slow but big high tide. The texture is so beautiful. Try it in 2020 or beyond."


2010 Montrose (pre-arrival)
195.00

97 points Suckling: "A perfumed and pure Montrose, with lots of currants, berries and spices that evolve to chocolate and light coffee. Full body, with super racy tannins and bright and clean finish. Very fine and structured. A balance and freshness to it all as well as beautiful form and tension. Try in 2018."


2010 Montrose 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
1199.99

97 points Suckling: "A perfumed and pure Montrose, with lots of currants, berries and spices that evolve to chocolate and light coffee. Full body, with super racy tannins and bright and clean finish. Very fine and structured. A balance and freshness to it all as well as beautiful form and tension. Try in 2018."


2010 Mouton Rothschild 3 Liter (pre-arrival)
3615.00

100 points Suckling: "This is pure Cabernet Sauvignon magic with incredible aromas of currants, blackberries and light spices. Tiny hints of hazelnut. Wet earth. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The purity of fruit is breathtaking. It goes on for minutes. This is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot. Try after 2020."


2010 Mouton Rothschild 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
4999.99

100 points Suckling: "This is pure Cabernet Sauvignon magic with incredible aromas of currants, blackberries and light spices. Tiny hints of hazelnut. Wet earth. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The purity of fruit is breathtaking. It goes on for minutes. This is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot. Try after 2020."


2010 Palmer (pre-arrival)
289.99

98 points Suckling: "A purity of fruit here with plum and dark chocolate undertones. Spices and treacle tart as well. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. Very fine indeed. Fit, fruity and reserved. Superb. Try in 2020."


2010 Palmer 1/2 (pre-arrival)
145.99

98 points Suckling: "A purity of fruit here with plum and dark chocolate undertones. Spices and treacle tart as well. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. Very fine indeed. Fit, fruity and reserved. Superb. Try in 2020."


2010 Pichon Baron (pre-arrival)
205.00

95 points Suckling: "A dense and layered wine with lots of ripe and sweet fruit. Loads of currants, plums and tar. This is concentrated and almost jammy with velvety tannins. Powerful. Chewy. Try in 2020."


2010 Pichon Baron 1/2 (pre-arrival)
103.00

95 points Suckling: "A dense and layered wine with lots of ripe and sweet fruit. Loads of currants, plums and tar. This is concentrated and almost jammy with velvety tannins. Powerful. Chewy. Try in 2020."


2010 Pontet Canet (pre-arrival)
159.95

100 points Suckling: "The aromas to this are incredible with blueberry, minerals, dried flowers, and stones. It goes to dried meat and spices. Full body and incredibly integrated with blackberry, licorice, and minerals. There's a wonderful purity to this. It goes on for minutes. The quality of tannins is amazing. Seamless. There's an amazing transparency that shows you all the elements of the wine's unique terrior. Try after 2018."


2010 Pontet Canet 6 Liter (pre-arrival)
1335.00

100 points Suckling: "The aromas to this are incredible with blueberry, minerals, dried flowers, and stones. It goes to dried meat and spices. Full body and incredibly integrated with blackberry, licorice, and minerals. There's a wonderful purity to this. It goes on for minutes. The quality of tannins is amazing. Seamless. There's an amazing transparency that shows you all the elements of the wine's unique terrior. Try after 2018."


2010 Pontet Canet Magnum (pre-arrival)
323.00

100 points Suckling: "The aromas to this are incredible with blueberry, minerals, dried flowers, and stones. It goes to dried meat and spices. Full body and incredibly integrated with blackberry, licorice, and minerals. There's a wonderful purity to this. It goes on for minutes. The quality of tannins is amazing. Seamless. There's an amazing transparency that shows you all the elements of the wine's unique terrior. Try after 2018."


2010 Vieux Ch Certan (pre-arrival)
279.99

100 points Suckling: "A perfect wine with perfect purity of fruit. It shows gorgeous aromas of blackberries, currants and cedar with hints of chocolate. Full body, with a lovely sweetness of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes to chocolate, hazelnut and spices. Nutmeg too. Sexy and incredible. It has so much depth of fruit and density. Better in 2020."

[JimHow]

Saw that. Sounds like, as much as I'm liking 2009, I may like 2010 even more.
Right now I'm not seeing any reason why I should like Suckling's notes any less than Parker's.

[AlohaArtakaHoundsong]

"I actually gave more perfect scores in 2010 than in 2009."

Trying but failing to add a decent sarcastic comment.

[DavidG]

Jim I think 2010 is more in your wheelhouse style-wise than 2009. I've been saying that for a year now. i was actually surprised that a "crunchy fruit" guy like you was so taken with the '09s but figured your taste preferences were broadening to encompass both styles.

[Bacchus]

Those prices are nuts! I can't imagine how they'll translate up here in the Great White North! There's a lot of 06 in the system up here still, and its pricing is beginning to look mighty good. Might also be time to take another look at some 08s, eg., Pichon Baron, Pontet Canet, Haut Bailly, DomChev, Saint Pierre. I just can't see buying many 10s, at least not the classified growths!

[Bacchus]

A related bit from Decanter:
http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/ ... -merchants

[JimHow]

I agree, DavidG, I too am a little surprised at my general love of the 2009 vintage. The '09 Haut-bergey showed really well last night. But it sure does sound like 2010 I am really, really going to like.

[JonB]

Leoville Las Cases "give it at least 6 to 8 years of bottle age". Really? An early maturing LLC?

[Comte Flaneur]

"I actually gave more perfect scores in 2010 than in 2009."

Trying but failing to add a decent sarcastic comment.

Likewise.

It makes the 100 point system even more redundant.

Its like the school sports day when all the kids get a prize. Even the fat ones.

[JonB]

I see the Wine Spectator has all the 2010 Bordeaux wine reviews on the website, although I haven't seen an article yet.

No 100 pointers, 3 99s, 6 98s.....and so forth. Not many surprises at the top...first growths and ultra expensive wines.

[DavidG]

Swore I wouldn't go near any 2010s. But Pontet Canet and Clinet are calling my name...

[OrlandoRobert]

I agree, DavidG, I too am a little surprised at my general love of the 2009 vintage. The '09 Haut-bergey showed really well last night. But it sure does sound like 2010 I am really, really going to like.

On paper, 2010 sounds like my type of vintage too. I think I'm gonna wait to try before I buy, though. Funny that I am selectively backfilling from prior, great and mature vintages at lower prices. Just picked up some '89 Pichon Baron for less than current release. Grabbed some 2003 Montrose as well. We need to be smart, selective buyers in this era.

BTW, drinking a 2009 Baudry Chinon right now. Jim, I don't know you, but the more I read your posts, I think you might like some of these traditional Chinons? Do you buy or drink them?

[marcs]

This makes me glad that I bought during the PC sale, when prices for the same wines were about 35 percent lower (e.g. $70 less on Ducru and Cos).

But I was disappointed to see that Suckling panned the Leoville Poyferre (only 95 points) and wasn't at all enthusiastic about Cos or Montrose (just 97 points).

[JimHow]

No I do not think I have ever tried Baudry Chinon Robert.

[DavidG]

Robert, I think you're on to something with your Loire Cab Franc recommendation. Those wines rarely approach the ripeness levels seen lately in Bordeaux, never mind California. They often get tagged with the same weedy and under-ripe descriptors applied to Sociando Mallet. They certainly haven't been Parkerized or subject to the price inflation seen in the more "popular" regions.

[JimHow]

I will indeed check them out. Thissociando was one of the best expressions of a "Jim How Kinda Wine" I've had in a while. Although, that Giscours, very different in style, was a lovely lady as well!

[OrlandoRobert]

Robert, I think you're on to something with your Loire Cab Franc recommendation. Those wines rarely approach the ripeness levels seen lately in Bordeaux, never mind California. They often get tagged with the same weedy and under-ripe descriptors applied to Sociando Mallet. They certainly haven't been Parkerized or subject to the price inflation seen in the more "popular" regions.

Exactly. I have been a Chinon fan for a very long time, but admittedly, prefer the so-called "riper" years, like 1989, 1990, 2005, 2009 and 2010. Less green, plenty of red crunchy fruits and moderate alcohol.

Jim - Check out Chambers Street Wines in NYC - good online purchasing available. They carry Baudry. The 2009s and 2010s are very strong! I like Joguet as well, which is a Kermit import.

Baudry has various cuvees, the best being Guillot and Croix Boisee, both under $40. My fave Joguet is the Clos de la Dioterie, which produced monster 2005s and 2009s! My top wines these last couple of years have all been Joguet.

[robertgoulet]

I noticed Suck'aling being a bit generous with his scoring at times. Is he doing this to gain access and favor with the wineries?

[pomilion]

I noticed Suck'aling being a bit generous with his scoring at times. Is he doing this to gain access and favor with the wineries?

He already has access to pretty much any winery in the world, though I'm sure the generous scores won't hurt how he's received in the future at top estates. I think it's mostly a reflection of the grade-inflating arms race that's been going on among wine critics for the past 15 years, which has escalated tremendously in the past few years with Suckling and Parker particularly handing out 97-100 point scores and "vintage of the century"/"best from this estate since 1947"-type comments like candy, which in turn has been a primary factor (not the only, but a major cause) in wine prices escalating into the stratosphere over the past decade. Parker was the only critic with the power and respect to have stepped in and argued for moderation in scoring and hyperbole, but instead he's chosen to lead the arms race (e.g., scoring 19 2009 bordeaux 100 points).

Aside from cringing at the high scores and some of the over-the-top hyperbole in Suckling's notes, having attended both the '09 and '10 UGC tastings and tried many '09s from bottle, his description of the general, broad distinctions between the vintages sounds about right.

[AlohaArtakaHoundsong]

Is the 2010 Pontet Canet also 100 "Parker Points," or do we not yet know? That appears to be the Suckling 100-pt 100-pt/price leader by far. The runner-up being, what, Ducru-Beaucaillou? Suckling points don't really count for much, though. Frankly, Suckling doesn't count for much.

[pomilion]

I think Parker's in-bottle 2010 scores come out at the end of this month. He scored ten 2010s a potential 100 points (range w/ 100 at high end) from barrel: Ausone, Haut Brion, LMHB, Lafite, Latour, Petrus, Mouton, Beausejour Duffau Lagarrosse, L'Eglise Clinet and Pontet Canet. And he scored another thirty-three 2010s potentially 97 points or more -- a mere forty-three wines that could potentially earn 97 pts or more.......

[robertgoulet]

think Parker's in-bottle 2010 scores come out at the end of this month. He scored ten 2010s a potential 100 points (range w/ 100 at high end) from barrel: Ausone, Haut Brion, LMHB, Lafite, Latour, Petrus, Mouton, Beausejour Duffau Lagarrosse, L'Eglise Clinet and Pontet Canet. And he scored another thirty-three 2010s potentially 97 points or more -- a mere forty-three wines that could potentially earn 97 pts or more.......pomilion
Posts: 135
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I have never scored a wine 100 points and I think only an handful over 95. Generosity is in the air with these critics or maybe I'm too stingy.

[OrlandoRobert]

I have never scored a wine 100 points and I think only an handful over 95. Generosity is in the air with these critics or maybe I'm too stingy.

What the heck are you doing up this early? Your post also suggests clarity of thought, so I assume you did not go big last night.

In my 100 category, have only been 1989 Petrus and 1982 Mouton. The 1989 Haut Brion was close, very close. That 1991 Dunn Howell Mountain was as high as I have ever scored a Cali wine. I think you called me a 100-pointer after that night! Or perhaps you said that to me wife. I cannot recall.

Off to go cycling . . . .

[DavidG]

Pomilion is right on the mark regarding the absurdity of the scoring situation. The proliferation of >95 point wines drives demand and prices while at the same time making scores less meaningful in helping to differentiate between wines.

There is alway a guessing game going on amongst buyers just prior to the release of Parker's final Bordeaux scores 3 years after the vintage. "Which wines will be anointed with triple digits?" "Which wines will score at the top/bottom/above/below the initial barrel tasting scores?" "Will I get the WA scores fast enough to order the top scorers before the retailers have time to read it and jack up prices, and before the other point chasers snatch them all up?" That is where we are right now, with Parker's final 2010 Bordeaux scores poised to be released at the end of this month. With another "greatest vintage ever" under consideration, the anticipation and tension are palpable.

[JimHow]

I agree with everything you say David but I must say I am somewhat excited about the 2010 vintage, it sund like my kind of vintage, judging from not only Parker's notes but others. the big problem is that prices seem pretty absurd although 2010 Sociando at $40 seems like a steal.

[JimHow]

Heck I want to buy a bottle of 2010 Rausan Segla just because of that Suckling video with the winemaker.

[DavidG]

I agree Jim. I too am getting jazzed by all the talk about 2010. Sounds like a vintage I would love too, but one that will require more patience than I have to hit its sweet spot. So far I have been successful in resisting the hype. But I think this is a vintage made for you, Jim. I think you can get more enjoyment out of these wines young than I can, so 2010 should be a vintage you can drink relatively younger than some of us, and a vintage that will take you into old age if you can just leave a couple of cases unopened. The time to buy is now, before Parker's final report comes out at the end of the month. His tweets and posts on eRP suggest that he's sticking to his "one of the best vintages since I've been doing this" line, so demand and prices are likely to spike within days of release of the next WA.

[DavidG]

The above said in true and earnest BWE-enabling fashion...

[JimHow]

Wow that's some heavy duty enabling.
I think I'm going to order that case of 2010 Sociando at PJs at $40.97.

[Bacchus]

2010 might be the year for Burgs:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/dinin ... ref=dining

[stefan]

How can you go wrong with 2010 S-M at $41, Jim? At that price you should buy at least three cases so that you can keep us informed of its development over the next thirty years.

[JimHow]

Hmmm.

[DavidG]

2010 might be the year for Burgs:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/dinin ... ref=dining

Begone, you Burgundy devils! Begone I say! In the name of Ben Whazzup Nelson and all that is holy, I cast you out!

[pomilion]

Pomilion is right on the mark regarding the absurdity of the scoring situation. The proliferation of >95 point wines drives demand and prices while at the same time making scores less meaningful in helping to differentiate between wines.

Well, if you're counting 2010s that could potentially score a measly 96 points (I only counted 97+), from barrel Parker gave 59 wines that distinction...

[pomilion]

2010 might be the year for Burgs:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/dinin ... ref=dining

My wife and I were in Burgundy for a couple weeks in July 2011 and had some fun visits (Voillot, Javillier, Pavelot, Lafarge, Benjamin Leroux, Clos de Tart and Mugnier) which principally involved 2010 barrel sampling. For the most part the 2010s were stunning, and the winemakers/owners were all incredibly excited (genuinely) about the vintage. Mugnier's 2010s were unbelievable.

[Nicklasss]

Is there still a BWE ban on the 2010?

Oh no, that's true. The same guy who made the ban, is now saying "I might like 2010 even more than 2009"...

Nic

[JimHow]

That is because I am kind and benevolent Nic.