Chateau Margaux 2010

Introduction

Unbelievable as it may sound, Chateau Margaux 2010 is at least as great a vintage as 2009. Once again, the Cabernet Sauvignon made the most of this very dry and cool year. With as much as 90% in the blend, the Cabernet makes the wine, providing it with exceptional aromatic finesse, restrained power and subtle freshness. Chateau Margaux 2010 is sheer magic. Classic indeed, thanks to its purity, finesse and soft and refreshing finish.

100 Points – James 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.

99 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 2010 is a brilliant Chateau Margaux, as one might expect in this vintage. The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend hit 90%, the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and only 38% of the crop made it into the Chateau Margaux. Paul Pontallier, the administrator, told me that this wine has even higher levels of tannin than some other extraordinary vintages such as 2005, 2000, 1996, etc. Deep purple, pure and intense, with floral notes, tremendous opulence and palate presence, this is a wine of considerable nobility. With loads of blueberry, black currant and violet-infused fruit and a heady alcohol level above 13.5% (although that looks modest compared to several other first growths, particularly Chateau Latour and Chateau Haut-Brion), its beautifully sweet texture, ripe tannin, abundant depth and profound finish all make for another near-perfect wine that should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.