Bordeaux 2010 after 10 years. 61 reds, incl. almost all big names, tasted blind. Average score 92.1 and lower than the more open and charming 2009 vintage last year (93.4). A few observations: A) It’s not yet the harmonious, complex, classic, clean vintage. Especially the masculine appellations of the left bank need at least 5 more years to just open up, potentially longer to soften. B) Left bank trumps right bank thanks to less detectable alcohol, cleaner lines and the two best wines of the vintage (Mouton, Margaux). C) Pomerol shines bright with many strong wines which can all mask the high alcohol levels (best AOC slightly ahead of Pauillac). D) As in 2009, there are several right banks already past peak, incl. big names (Duffau Lagarosse, Ausone). All in all, 2010 is a very good vintage with pockets of greatness but today 2009 shows more open and hence complex.
Thanks for sharing, some great notes. I know you’ve made decanting recommendations should one feel the urge to pop a cork now, but how long were the wines decanted for this tasting? Looks like this will be a good event to recreate in 2035!
I have 2005 Clos Manou and as best I can recall (I’ve only opened one) it seemed pretty damn modern. Maybe my recollection is off and maybe the vintage made all the difference.
Thx! Wines were not decanted (just opened 2-4 hours prior to the tasting which hardly moves the needle). That’s why one or the other left bank wines got rather subpar ratings (think Montrose, St. Juliens or Mission/Haut Brion) - they were just closed and in the 20 minutes time you have to assess the wines in such a large tasting (held over two days), some just did not open at all, no matter how much you swirled.
Clos Manou was clearly a big surprise. Right time, right bottle, damn delicious. Clearly not sure if it could repeat that performance. Modern? Yes, it’s certainly no Leoville Barton , but style wise it was not far off a classic Pauillac with a bit of well-measured luxurious oak aromas. So modern but no slutty hyper-extraction bomb either. (…but as said, I’m really not an expert on this winery)
, but style wise it was not far off a classic Pauillac with a bit of well-measured luxurious oak aromas. So modern but no slutty hyper-extraction bomb either. (…but as said, I’m really not an expert on this winery)