2010 Bordeaux en primeur: Senejac, Capbern Gasqueton, Fonplegade, Arrosee

24/05/11

Within the last 24 hours, some very fine value from Bordeaux.

'Pontet-Canet's brilliant proprietor, Alfred Tesseron, has begun to look after the wines of Senejac and the result is a tasty, elegant 2010 offering copious berry fruit notes intermixed with hints of cedarwood and spice. This cuvee should be drinkable upon release and evolve for a decade. Drink 2013-2021. 87-90 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

Capbern Gasqueton: 'Blessed with some excellent vineyards as well as an ambitious owner in Mme Denise Gasqueton of Calon-Segur, it shouldn't surprise us that this is so good. But it may well be the bargain of the vintage: sexy, fleshy and supple, with notes of sandalwood, cassis and blackberry, firmed up by fine tannins. 8+ years. 94 points.' Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com

'Now American-owned, Fonplegade has been pushing the envelop of high quality over recent vintages. The full-bodied, powerful 2010 reveals intense, concentrated red and black fruit characteristics, undeniable minerality, a perfumed style and authoritative flavors that linger on the palate. The tannins are noticeable, so this wine will benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring and keep for at least two decades. Drink 2016-2036. 92-94 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

The dense ruby/purple-hued 2010 L'Arrosee possesses copious notes of graphite, blueberries and black raspberry liqueur intermixed with subtle smoky oak. A more structured effort than other recent vintages, deep, pure, full-bodied and impressive, this property has regained its momentum over the last 4-5 years, and their 2010 is another powerful yet elegant effort that admirably translates its terroir. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. 91-94 points. Drink 2015-2035.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com

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

View all 2010 Bordeaux en primeur