I didn’t mention, but it was paritally poured out - the owner took a full glass for himself, then left the rest for Jonathan, thinkking he’d have it that night, but then he only found it in the AM. So it sat out with a lot of head space.
Other than what I attribute to too much air, I thought it was a lovely LB. I mostly wrote the note addressing the complaints that 2010 (and 09) Bordeaux are over the top and will not age well, and saying that’s not my experience here. I wasn’t even thinking about how it compares to great vintages.
I was pretty skeptical of 2009/2010 when they were released, but I think the better wines are aging more classically than many of us expected.
The 2010s especially seem to be growing into themselves—still ripe, but with plenty of structure and Bordeaux character showing through. The 2009s are a little more hit-or-miss for me, with some still feeling pretty opulent.
If your palate leans traditional, I’d still happily buy good 2001s and 2004s, but I wouldn’t avoid 2010 at this point. Just be selective about producer.
Anyone had recent experience with Cantemerle 2010?
The tertiary notes are really nice and well integrated now (for my personal taste), but the intensity of fruit is a bit low? I know Cantemerle isn’t exactly the Chateaux to look for highly concentrated fruits and is at the entry level budget range, but the gap between Cantemerle and the Branaire Ducru/D’Issan/etc I had in terms of fruit intensity is bigger than I expected.
I think that’s a stylistic choice. Cantemerle is more “classic” while I find Branaire and D’issan more “modern” forward and polished; without being over done. I like both styles and Branaire and Dissan are quite good, but different profiles for sure.
Just curious, there is a lot of discussion here about 2009 and 2010 in Bordeaux. [Obviously in this thread, but elsewhere as well.] How many people here think 2009 and/or 2010 are as good a vintage as 2016?
Somewhat limited experience as I usually only open bdx when “mature” so 20+yrs of age, but put me firmly in the 2016 camp. I really haven’t enjoyed much from either '09 or '10. Except GPL
'16’s I’ve opened have all been impressive, balanced, obviously too young but no “flaw” to repair like '09 and '10.
4th bottle of Lagrange 2009, these have been variable. This is a good one. Cedar and blackcurrant, resolved tannins, everything in its place and in proportion. 93 or ****. @Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m , this was actually identifiable as being from the batch that were not hanging around in the shop for months, so far the theory of storage issues is still a possibility.
I’ve had 2010 Cantemerle twice in the past two years. Most recent note from 2025: Splash decanted off small amount of sediment. Cassis and blackcurrant, some earthy tobacco. Comes off a bit rustic, medium+ acid and chewy tannins. Drinking well now but no rush.
First bottle of 2010 Lafon-Rochet. Fairly modern and extracted, but not overbearing. Dark fruit, some cherries and then a chunk of oak. But after half an hour it became well integrated and a pleasure to drink
The 2009 Gruaud Larose shows fresh, fragrant aromas of black currant, leather, cigar box and tobacco leaf, giving way to a lush, expansive palate of blackberry, dark chocolate and earthy eucalyptus flavors that linger effortlessly, with plenty more to come at this early stage. 94+
Is that on your buy list now? It feels like Gruaud Larose went through a long era where Bordeaux enthusiasts were drinking down stocks rather than reloading with new releases.
It is and beginning with this vintage which I loved when I tasted it at the respective UGC that year. Think the combo of a traditionally styled estate in a ripe vintage really made for a lovely effort.
Count me among those who hopped back on the Gruaud train. Had my first 2009 about 5 years ago and have been letting them sleep. Found it a little glossy but not at all overdone. JC’s note is encouraging.
First bottle of six.
Inky in appearance, but showing signs of maturity.
Inky nose again with little perfume notes.
A real depth of flavour, but just a touch solid and extracted. Very good, but not quite exciting. ****, will keep but not sure where it will go. I preferred the Lafon-Rochet two days ago.
First bottle of six, bought about 12 years ago.
The colour is still pretty dark, but some maturity is apparent around the rim.
An enticing nose of cedar, graphite and dark fruit wafts out from the glass.
Tannins are still firm, providing ample structure. Acidity is fairly high, keeping things refreshed. The flavour is deep; cedar, capsicum, blackcurrant.
With food this is delicious know, if still a bit of a bruiser. This has decades ahead of it, it will be lovely to follow the journey. **** with some upside. Considered alongside last weekend’s bottles, I like this most, then the Lafon-Rochet, the Phélan Ségur coming in third.
'22 is a problem. Have not tasted a ‘closed’ or ‘shut down’ one yet. Even more troubling (in a good way) is that they also seem fairly balanced. Present nose, fruit and tannins. This vintage will be gobbled up and consumed early. Granted I have not opened many big guns but the mid range '22s are just fantastic. Brane, Pedesclaux, Giscours, Corbin, Leoville, Bellefont Belcier, Haut Segottes, Senejac, Talbot. All have recently for me been drinking alarmingly great and yes I know they will get better. But…
