2010 Bordeaux en primeur: Mission Haut-Brion, Conseillante, Clos L'Eglise, Figeac
29/06/11
This morning, a little more first growth excitement as we receive initial releases from Domaine Clarence Dillon. And we're delighted to be able to make a general offer of La Mission, thanks to one of our negociants withdrawing their offer to a Southeast Asian city-state. This will most likely be our only such opening offer of any first growth or equivalent.
'One of the most powerful La Missions ever produced, the 2010, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, achieved 15% natural alcohol (even higher than the 2009's 14.7%). Nevertheless, the pH is normal which gives the wine an extraordinary precision, freshness and vibrancy despite its massive size. A blue/purple color is followed by a classic nose of blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, spring flowers and crushed rocks. This monumental, full-bodied, incredibly rich La Mission-Haut-Brion will need a decade of cellaring and should last for 40-50 years. It is slightly fatter and creamier than its sibling rival, the 2010 Chateau Haut-Brion. Drink 2013-2061. 98-100 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com
Our last two Pomerols. Oh, except for Le Pin.
'A monumental La Conseillante, the 2010 completes a remarkable decade for this estate. Quintessentially floral, this dense purple-colored effort reveals sweet flowery black raspberry and blueberry liqueur notes, more power, muscle and concentration than most vintages and exquisite elegance, purity and personality. Serious tannin lurks beneath the surface, but the overall impression is of a medium to full-bodied, strikingly deep, beautifully pure, well-balanced wine. Give it 3-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30+. Drink 2014-2044. 95-98 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com
Clos L'Eglise: 'Gorgeous nose of truffle and raspberry, creamy and laden with fruit. Superb on entry: creamy tactile feel on the palate, with taste but also with a hint of stewed fruit. Building up a melting and mellow character and run through with notes of liquorice. Superb lingering finish crammed with flavours. 94-95 points.' - Jean-Marc Quarin, quarin.com
In St-Emilion, last year Figeac was €160 a bottle; this year, €168. Sorry Tim!
'As it was in 2009, this is one of the top reds on the Right Bank. I only hope the price is a little more sensible, after last year's miscalculation. The Cabernet Sauvignon at the core of the wine is what makes it so special, giving it rigour and structure for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc to adorn. On second tasting, the wine was even better: fine, grassy, yet concentrated. 20+ years. 97 points.' - Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com
Halves & magnums £10 extra per 9 litre case; other formats on request
View all 2010 Bordeaux en primeur