-
100
/ 100
James Suckling -
99
/ 100
Decanter -
99
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
98
/ 100
Jeb Dunnuck -
98
/ 100
Wine Enthusiast
Red
Classification
Cabernet Blend
Variety
2010
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Medoc
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
100 / 100"Credit is mostly given to the extraordinary talent and longevity of winemaker Paul Pontallier, but the handywork was done by previous owner Andre Mentzenopolous and his daughter, and current manager, Corinne - the duo have been responsible for the enhancement and integrity of the vineyards and estate, ensuring only exceptional fruit is produced from their 82 hectares under vine. A modest 13.5% alcohol belies a wine of incredible concentration and profound structure, with ropes of finessed tannin and a consistency that says cellaring for up to half a century is possible. Typical grace from one of the most reliable, fine wine producers in the world."
- James Suckling
99 / 100
"As we head out of Pauillac, you feel the register change. It takes a heartbeat to adjust, but then you start to see the beauty of a different style of 2010, a little more elegant, a little more sculpted, with concentration that sits deep in the body of the wine but builds more slowly through the palate. This shows the beauty of the appellation of Margaux in the way that you always want and hope the First Growths will - a signpost towards the rest, showing why they should be celebrated. Here are violet aromatics, soft black truffle flavours and silky, elongated tannins. Extremely good quality; fairly savoury berry fruits. As with all of these, there's a long long life ahead of it, and best to be put away for another five years at least."
- Decanter
99 / 100
"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% … 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. ("
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
98 / 100
"Reminding me slightly of the 1996 (and maybe the 2019) with its purity and precision, the 2010 Château Margaux offers a classic bouquet of red and black currants, green tobacco, sandalwood, spring flowers, and lead pencil shavings. Rich, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ripe tannin and integrated yet notable acidity, this is as classic and regal as Margaux gets, and while it has a terrific sweetness of fruit and ripeness to its tannins, it needs another 4-5 years to hit true prime time and is going to evolve for another 30 years or more"
- Jeb Dunnuck
98 / 100
"A great wine that is just starting out. The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend gives the structured, black currant character. Dark chocolate and layers of wood are forward, revealing how young the wine is. And then the fruit, so rich and powerful, brings deliciousness to the firm, dense structure. Age for many years."
- Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Credit is mostly given to the extraordinary talent and longevity of winemaker Paul Pontallier, but the handywork was done by previous owner Andre Mentzenopolous and his daughter, and current manager, Corinne - the duo have been responsible for the enhancement and integrity of the vineyards and estate, ensuring only exceptional fruit is produced from their 82 hectares under vine. A modest 13.5% alcohol belies a wine of incredible concentration and profound structure, with ropes of finessed tannin and a consistency that says cellaring for up to half a century is possible. Typical grace from one of the most reliable, fine wine producers in the world.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity