2010 Bordeaux en primeur: de Fargues, Siran, Potensac

31/05/11

Bordeaux's smaller names continue to enjoy their time in the limelight, with just a handful of significant releases yesterday and today so far.

Alexandre de Lur Saluces, responsible for so many of the great modern vintages of Yquem before losing his battle for control of the chateau to LVMH, continues to fashion Chateau de Fargues in much the same mould. There are just 1200 cases a year of this meticulously made wine. 'The Chateau de Fargues has a very pure nose of clear honey, lemon curd and passion fruit all with fine delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a citrus-driven entry with touches of lime, passion fruit and grapefruit. It has great focus and "drive," a crescendo of flavours that embrace quince, Seville orange, tangerine and spice. There is wonderful persistency towards the powerful finish. This is another great de Fargues to follow the monumental 2009. 94-96 points.' - Neal Martin, erobertparker.com/winejournal

This morning, one of the best values in Margaux, Chateau Siran. 'My best score ever given to this cru en primeur. Dark-hued wine. Glamorous and refined nose of black fruit. Fleshy on the palate, revealing density and subtly complex aromas through to an exquisite lingering length with finely-grained tannins. A stunner. 88-89 points.' - Jean-Marc Quarin, quarin.com

And a typically impressive Potensac, from Ordonnac, a little way past St-Estephe. 'Traditionally made, yet exhibiting some modern touches such as ripe fruit, the 2010 Potensac is another sleeper of the vintage from this estate, owned by Jean-Hubert Delon, the proprietor of Leoville Las Cases. Classic Bordeaux notes of red and black currants, earth, and spice box are well-presented in this deep ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied wine, which should drink nicely for a decade or more. 87-89 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

Halves & magnums £10 extra per 9 litre case; other formats on request

View all 2010 Bordeaux en primeur