Bordeaux 2010 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes

Bordeaux 2010 Médoc Pessac-Léognan Graves Sauternes By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 7/21/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Saint-Estèphe... 4 Pauillac... 9 Saint-Julien... 18 Margaux... 25 Moulis... 35 Listrac... 37 Haut-Médoc... 38 Médoc... 46 Pessac-Léognan... 49 Pessac-Léognan Blanc... 58 Graves Rouge... 61 Graves Blanc... 63 Sauternes... 64 Barsac... 69 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 Bordeaux 2010 Médoc / Pessac-Léognan / Graves / Sauternes / Barsac Tasted in Bordeaux En-Primeur April 2011 Tasted on other occasions see date & place in italics The excitement that exuded from Bordeaux before the En-Primeur week was viewed with a certain amount of scepticism could Bordeaux produce yet another miracle vintage. Well after seven days of tasting the answer is they could and have, 2010 has produced some really exciting wines very different in style to 2009 very classical in style. Both Cabernets have excelled with concentrated long living Sauvignon being produced on the Left Bank and fragrant Franc on the right. Merlot is perhaps the weak link as there was a tendency to over ripeness therefore too much alcohol but with modern wine making techniques, care and attention, many properties have managed the problem and made good Merlot. I found great wines in each appellation and not just the best known names. There are some shock horrors so guidance from your Merchant is as important as ever. I cannot remember many vintages quite like it with its very dry weather throughout July, August and September (an average of 20mm of rain), its record sunshine but not excessive heat and its cool nights all leading to small rich concentrated berries weighing well below the average. In the Médoc the harvest started near the end of September finishing for many in mid October. In Pomerol and Saint-Emilion most picked from mid September to mid October. The weather conditions did not encourage an early harvest in Sauternes but they did keep away many of the vine parasites. September was good for the region as the grapes were able to make up for their late ripening. The problem was the shyness of the Botrytis despite a little rainfall but the rain, morning mists on the 21 st September meant selective picking could start only to stop again as the hot start to October lead to torrential rains on the 4 th. After a lull the harvest started in earnest on the 8 th October with many visits into the vineyard finishing on about the 23 rd October a long and difficult harvest. A few wines seem to lack backbone but other like Climens will give real pleasure. Claret 10/10 Keep Sauternes 9/10 Keep 3 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Saint-Estèphe Château Andron Blanquet 86-88 2020-30 The nose is very firm black fruited but showing quite high acidity. There is some rich fruit at the start of the palate but tannic firmness takes over and tends to hold back the fruit on the finish. Château Beau-Site 86-88 2018-30 The nose is firm with the tannin and acidity rather holding back the fruit. There is a richer sweeter feel on the mid palate but at the moment the tannins are tending to dominate. Château Le Bosq 85-88 2018-30 The nose is very firm but behind there is some sweetish black fruit. Cassis and sloe feature on the palate the full fruit expression held back by firm structured tannins. Château Calon Ségur 3eme Cru 91-95 2020-40 The nose has lots of different black fruits with a mix of bramble and black cherry. Freshness is very much in evidence on the palate quite light and fragrant. Sweeter more concentrated cassis shows towards the back the sweetness helped by ripe feeling tannins. The finish is bright and long. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-40 The nose is tight at the moment the palate fresh lots of bramble and bilberry and although the start of the palate is quite light it fills out in the middle. Depth of fruit towards the back concentrated flavours the fruit supported by structured tannins. The finish is bright fresh fruited and long. Château Capbern Gasqueton 89-92 2017-30 There is some sweet fruit on the nose backed by the fragrance of violets. Red fruits show on the palate giving a lovely vibrant freshness with sweeter black fruits filling out the mid and back palate. The finish is fresh slightly rustic but with good length. Château Clauzet 85-89 2018-30 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 Red fruits intermingle with black on the nose both feeling fresh. The palate lacks a bit of concentration and the tannins show towards the back rather holding back the fruit. There is some blackcurrant sweetness right at the back. Château de Côme 88-91 2017-30 The nose is packed with sweet fruit a lovely mix of cassis, black cherry and sloe. The tannins are firm but not aggressive allowing the fruit to show to advantage on the back palate. Château Cos d Estournel 2eme Cru 93-97 2025-40 Although there is a lot of power on the nose it is not overdone. The fruit feels ripe cassis dominates with behind layers of flavour sloe and black cherry. The tannins are firm giving structure but as they are in no way aggressive they do not over dominate the fruit. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 96 2025-40 The nose has depth the richness of ripe black fruits and the palate is fleshy with power and depth. Cassis and black cherry are backed by sloe the mid palate full of liquorice and coffee and although the tannins are firm they are fine not aggressive. The finish is concentrated and black fruited. Château Cos Labory 5eme Cru 88-91 2025-40 The nose has lots of powerful fruit rich cassis and black cherry. Although the palate feels sweet at the start firm tannins show in the middle and give structure towards the back. The finish has black fruit weight and richness. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2024-36 There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose ripe cassis and slightly firmer black cherry. The palate starts with some sweet fruit but the firmness of the tannins tends to overpower the fruit richness. The finish is sweet fruited all very black fruit in character. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2023-36 The nose is deep with rich black fruits and the palate starts with lots of powerful sweet black fruits. Slightly firmer in the middle the fruit supported by the tannic structure yet the back palate is rich with lots of cassis and black cherry. Château Le Crock 88-91 2018-30 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 The fruit feels ripe with lots of black fruits. Cassis and plum sweetness are enriched by rounded tannins but there is enough underlying freshness to balance. Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 91 2018-30 Sweet on the nose the fruit on the palate is ripe a rich mix of black fruits. Ripe tannins help the mid suppleness and although the back palate is firmer fresher the finish has sweetness and depth. La Dame de Montrose 88-91 2020-35 2 nd wine of Château Montrose The black fruited mix on the nose is tinged with herbal greenness. The palate starts with sweet ripe black fruits but behind is red fruited freshness that tends to lighten the fullness. Right at the back the fruit power shows giving richness on the finish. Château Haut-Beausejour 87-90 2020-35 It has a big black fruited gutsy nose with lots of black cherry and sloe. The mid palate has an attractive weight of flavour although towards the back it feels lighter with less fruit power showing on the finish. Château Haut-Marbuzet 89-92 2020-35 The nose has a mass of black fruits very cassis dominated. Damsons and black cherries give depth on the palate backed by structured but ripe feeling tannins. The finish is rich packed with black fruit. Château Lafon-Rochet 4eme Cru 87-91 2025-40 The nose is a bit tight and the tannic structure holds back fruit richness on the start of the palate. There is a riper feel towards the back with lots of sweet cassis. The tannins are very much in evidence on the finish holding back full expression. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2025-40 The nose is tight and there are a lot of obvious tannins on the start of the palate. Ripe black fruits give richness in the middle some ripe cassis but towards the back the tannins are very obvious tending to hold back the fruit on the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 91 2023-40 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 The nose is more open and the palate feels richer with some concentrated black fruits. Cassis, black cherry and liquorice give richness in the middle but it closes down at the back the finish firm and tight. Château Lilian-Ladouys 86-88 2020-35 Violets feature on the nose overlaying the black fruited mix. The fruit on the mid palate feels ripe lots of cassis but towards the back the tannins are very much in evidence rather overpowering the fruit and leaving the finish a bit short. Château Meyney 88-92 2020-40 There is a good weight of sweet black fruit on the nose with the mix of black plum and cassis giving weight on the palate. Underlying freshness balances the richness giving a bright feel on the finish. Tasted in Lincoln s Inn October 2016 92 2020-40 Depth on the nose the start of the palate has black cherry, plum and cassis. There is an underlying structure firm in the middle but it opens up towards the back with a rich mix of black fruits. The finish has freshness more blackberries and blueberries. Château Montrose 2eme Cru 92-96 2025-40 Ripe sweet fruit gives a fleshy power on the nose and a rich start to the palate. The mix of black cherry, sloe and cassis gives complexity of flavour on the palate. The tannins are firm giving structure but do not totally over power the fruit richness and sweetness. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 95 2025-45 Depth on the nose the palate has lots of brooding black fruits a powerful mix of flavours. Cassis is backed by black cherry enriched by dark chocolate and liquorice the fruit rich and ripe. The tannins are still firm the back palate still a bit tight but there is lots more to show. Château Les Ormes de Pez 89-92 2020-35 Ripe black fruits pack out the nose lots of power. The sweet chocolate richness on the palate is balanced by bright red fruits all adding complexity. The tannins are firm but not aggressive and the black fruits pack out the back palate. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2017-30 7 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 There is a good depth and richness of fruit on the nose and rich flavours on the palate lots of chocolate and liquorice. Towards the back it is fresher with red fruits vying with the black. The tannins are firm but not aggressive not over dominating the fruit. Pagodes de Cos d Estournel 89-93 2018-35 2 nd wine of Château Cos d Estounel Rich ripe black fruits fill out the nose all very sweet. Bramble jelly sweetness gives a fleshy richness on the palate. Underpinning the ripeness and sweetness of fruit are firm tannins and red fruits. The back palate is bright and the finish has a touch of peppery oak spice. Château Petit Bocq 86-89 2016-30 The cassis and black cherry is firm giving a tight feel on the nose. Richer fruit shows on the palate giving a nice weight in the middle and fair depth on the finish. Château de Pez 85-88 2016-30 It seems to have quite a lot of red fruits on the nose lots of freshness and red fruit acidity. The first impression though on the palate is black cherry and cassis then the richness is over taken by tannic firmness that holds back the sweetness. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2018-35 The nose is firm quite red fruit driven and this freshness and tightness is there at the start. The mid palate is quite sweet with black fruits and liquorice and although towards the back the tannins are obvious the finish has good depth of fruit. Tasted at the Maison Marques et Domaines tasting January 2014 92 2017-32 The nose is tight the palate firm with a mix of black and red fruits. There is more depth and richness in the middle some ripe cassis, a hint of liquorice and dark chocolate but the tannins show at the back all a bit firm at the moment. Château Phélan Segur 91-94 2020-35 The nose seems to be very red fruit dominated with an attractive freshness. There are more black fruits in evidence on the palate enriching the middle and giving sweetness towards the back. Although the tannins do feel firm they are ripe so not totally hiding the fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 91 2020-35 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 The nose is firm red fruit dominated but the palate has black fruits richer nice ripe flavours a good depth. The tannins are in evidence giving structure but not over firm or over dominant so the back palate has richness of flavour. Château Tour des Termes 86-89 2017-30 Sweet black fruit gives richness on the nose but the palate is firmer with some very definite tannin but as they feel quite ripe that do not over dominate. It is though just a touch dry towards the back. Château Tronquoy de Sainte Anne 87-90 2018-30 Bramble and blackcurrant feature on the nose both feeling sweet. Although the palate has lots of seductive ripe fruit there is freshness behind that gives brightness on the finish. Château Tronquoy-Lalande 88-92 2018-30 The mix of black fruits on the nose has a ripe feel giving it richness. Black plum gives some flesh on the palate but behind the black fruited power is the freshness of red cherry that gives a lighter feel on the finish. Tasted at Château Bélair-Monange April 2017 91 2018-30 Depth on the nose the palate has black cherry and cassis depth of fruit. Fleshy black plum in the middle the tannins are ripe and well integrated and the powerful mix of black fruits at the back is underpinned by bramble and red cherry slightly lighter on the finish. Pauillac Château d Armailhac 5eme Cru 88-92 2024-35 Ripe black fruits enrich the nose with blackcurrant very much to the fore. The fruit on the start of the palate is rich and deep but towards the middle there is more of a red fruit character some raspberry backed by red cherry and this gives a lighter feel to the finish. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2024-36 Cassis and black cherry give richness on the nose and depth on the start of the palate. Slightly fresher black fruits underpin the cassis and black cherry giving a lighter mid palate but there are rich black fruits towards the back giving depth on the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-37 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 The nose has tightened up a bit but the palate is sweet fruited with a rich mix of blackcurrant and black cherry. The mid palate is lighter a bramble influence and although the tannins are still quite firm the finish has depth and richness. Château Batailley 5eme Cru 89-93 2022-40 The nose has some rich black fruit and the sweetness of the fruit gives power on the palate. Under the richness there are fresher flavours balancing with structured tannins showing on the back palate. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2022-40 Rich black fruits fill out the nose and give weight on the start of the palate. The tannins are still firm but ripe and rounded giving structure but not over dominating the fruit. There is good depth and richness of flavour on the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 93 2022-40 Rich fruit the nose has depth the palate brooding black fruited power. The ripe fruit in the middle is supported by firm tannins ripe and not aggressive with lots of cassis and chocolate enriching the back palate and finish. Carruades de Château Lafite 90-94 2021-35 2 nd wine of Château Lafite There is a lovely sweetness on the nose with a mix of mainly black fruits. The palate starts with richness a fleshy depth but behind the sweet fruit and rounded tannins is the freshness of red cherry that gives an attractive brightness but lighter feel to the finish. Château Clerc Milon 5eme Cru 89-93 2025-40 The nose has a chocolate richness with lots of black fruits towards the back. The tannins although firm are not aggressive giving it backbone. There are layers of flavours the fruit underpinned by black truffles. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 93 2024-40 The sweet black fruits give richness on the nose and depth on the palate. Chocolate and liquorice help to enrich the mid palate with slightly fresher black fruits coming through towards the back. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 93 2022-40 Tasted at the J & B tasting March 2016 93 2020-38 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 Chocolate and black truffle rich the nose is sweet fruited and the palate supple with a fleshy mix of fruits. There is a balancing freshness mid tannic firmness but at the back the mix of black fruits the coffee beans enrich and fill out the finish. Château La Commanderie 84-87 2017-30 The nose is a bit tight with some nice fruit rather held back by tannin firmness. The palate is hard with quite high acidity and this dries the fruit and shortens the finish. Château Croizet-Bages 5eme Cru 88-91 2020-36 The nose has lots of black fruits with the sweetness of cassis balanced by some fresher bilberry. The rich dark fruit on the mid palate gives the feeling of power but there is enough freshness to brighten and lift the fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 90 2020-36 There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose but the palate feels fresher with bilberry behind the richer cassis. The richness of the mid palate is held back by the tannins leaving the finish a bit short. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 91 2020-36 Rich on the palate but the nose is tight fresh quite light and fragrant. There is a greater depth on the mid palate sweet ripe black cherry the richness slightly overpowered at the back by tannic structure. The finish at the moment is firm a touch dry and short. Château Duhart Milon 4eme Cru 91-95 2025-40 The sweetness of the fruit gives richness on the nose and a plush fleshy feel on the palate. Black cherry and cassis dominate enriched by a touch of liquorice and dark chocolate. Towards the back there is a balancing freshness. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 94 2022-37 Although the fruit on the nose is sweet there is an appealing fragrance and the start of the palate has lots of bramble. Sweet in the middle rich fruit supple and fleshy it feels lighter towards the back slightly fresher good length and elegance. Echo de Lynch Bages 87-91 2016-35 11 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 The black fruit mix on the nose feels ripe the sweetness though balanced by bilberry and bramble freshness. The layers of flavour give some complexity with the ripeness of the fruit giving flesh on the back palate. Farr Vintners Pauillac 93 2013-20 Tasted in Lilley November 2013 The black fruited nose is rich packed with blackcurrants and bramble and the palate has depth and concentration. There is mid sweetness a fleshy richness layers of fruit giving complexity yet a balancing freshness from the underlying bilberry. Coffee beans, liquorice and nutmeg all add to the interest and although the tannins are firm they are fine ripe not aggressive. The finish has intensity of flavour with just a hint of cedar wood behind the fruit. Château La Fleur Peyrabon 84-87 2018-30 The nose is light and has a red fruited freshness. The palate lacks weight very red fruit in character with the acidity rather overtaking the fruit on the finish. Forts de Latour 93-96 2020-40 2 nd wine of Château Latour There is a lot of concentrated fruit serious and brooding rich blackcurrant backed by black cherry and slightly firmer sloe. Although the tannins are firm the richness, power, sweetness of the fruit is not over dominated. There is a fleshy power to the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse 5eme Cru 86-90 2020-35 Although the nose has some nice ripe fruit the tannins and acidity tend to overpower it on the palate. There is a sweet feel on the mid palate but the structure takes over again towards the back holding back full expression. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2020-36 The richer fruits tend to be overshadowed by tannin and acidity. The mid palate has some rich ripe cassis but towards the back the tannic structure is very obvious holding back the fruit and tending to dry the finish. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru 92-96 2025-40 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 The nose has a rich mix of black fruits at first cassis dominated but behind is black cherry and sloe. There is an attractive spiciness to the fruit mix on the palate just a touch of oak and although the tannins give structure they are ripe and rounded. The back palate has a lovely freshness. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 95 2025-40 The fruit on the nose is rich and ripe cassis and black cherry dominated. The richness of the fruit fills out the palate real depth of flavour a complex mix of fruits. The tannins give structure but are not aggressive and towards the back there is a lovely hint of spice just a touch of oak. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 95 2025-40 Rich fruit on the nose fleshy depth on the palate black fruits are to the fore the ripe fruit is backed by dark chocolate and coffee. Fine tannins support but are not too obvious rich and ripe fruited at the back with just a hint of spice on the finish. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral 5eme Cru 88-92 2020-40 Black fruits give richness on the nose and a lovely sweetness on the palate. There are layers of fruit giving complexity rich black plum, black cherry and firmer sloe. An intensity of flavour fills out the back palate. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 91 2022-40 The nose is serious deep packed with black fruits. The layers of flavour on the palate give complexity some intense sloe and black cherry, some richer sweeter cassis all supported by firm by ripe tannins. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-36 The nose has closed down a bit still very black fruit in character. Sweet on the mid palate the rich mix of cassis and black cherry is supported by firm tannins but it fills out at the back with a powerful mix of black fruits. Château Haut-Bages Monpelou 86-90 2018-30 The nose has a mix of flavours with the red fruited freshness balanced by richer blackcurrant. There is a good meaty depth on the mid palate but towards the back red fruited freshness takes over. Château Haut-Batailley 5eme Cru 91-94 2020-35 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Black fruits intermingle on the nose quite rich and deep. The palate has the freshness of bilberry and bramble a racy brightness with behind it fruit power a lovely depth of flavour. There is good structure with the ripe tannins ensuring richness on the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-36 Cassis and bramble the nose is fresh and fragrant the palate sweeter fruited richer with depth of flavour in the middle. The rich fruit is balanced by fresher flavours bilberry and bramble the tannins although still firm feel ripe. Château Lacoste-Borie 89-92 2020-30 The nose has all the fragrance of violets with bramble and cassis underneath. The sweetness on the palate is underpinned by red fruits giving an attractive freshness. The back palate is bright and fresh but there is enough sweet fruit to fill it out. Château Lafite 1er Cru 95-99 2025-45 There is a lovely depth of fruit on the nose with lots of black cherry to the fore. The brightness of bilberry refreshes the mid palate but the richness sweetness of the fruit comes through fleshing out the back palate. Although there is lots of power the freshness gives elegance. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 98 2025-45 Although the nose has a fragrant charm there is a lot of sweet fruit very black fruit in character. The mid palate has depth power rich fruit dark chocolate and coffee beans the power and richness balanced by bramble and bilberry freshness. Rich and deep at the back yet the finish has style and elegance. Château Latour 1er Cru 96-100 2025-60 The nose is serious profound with concentrated richness and power. The palate is deep packed with sultry brooding fruit and despite firm tannins it is remarkably lush. There are seamless layers the mix of powerful flavours lingering on the long finish. Château Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru 92-95 2020-40 There is a lovely mix of black fruits on the nose deep and powerful. The richness of flavour gives depth on the mid palate layers of black fruits enriched by dark chocolate. Structured tannins support and bilberry towards the back refreshes the finish. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 93 2022-40 The nose is rich with a good depth of powerful black fruits. The richness of black plum and black cherry packs out the palate all backed by dark chocolate and a touch of liquorice. The tannins are structured but feel ripe not holding back the rich flavours that show on the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 93 2022-40 There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose depth of fruit the palate packed with black plum and black cherry. Plush and supple on the mid palate the rich fruit, the liquorice and chocolate are supported by firm but ripe tannins with a brooding depth to the finish. Château Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru 87-91 2022-35 Fresh fruit gives a bright feel on the nose the red cherry backed by bilberry. Richer sweeter flavours come through on the palate and although the tannins are firm they are not aggressive so not holding back the fruit. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2020-32 The nose has power yet with more red fruits in evidence than black. The richness of the mid palate is overpowered by the tannins and the freshness of bilberry and red cherry. Although there is a sweeter feel towards the back the finish lacks real substance. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 90 2020-36 It is all a bit tight the nose closed and the tannins quite obvious on the palate. There is a richer feel to the mid palate but it is light at the back with more of a red fruit and bramble influence the finish just lacking a bit of substance. Château Mouton Rothschild 1er Cru 94-98 2025-40 The nose is very black fruited with lots of cassis. The palate starts with a rich mix of fruit the sweetness balanced by freshness. Layers of flavour give complexity the black fruits vying with red for dominance. The underlying freshness gives a lighter racier more elegant feel to the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 97 2025-45 Black fruits dominate the nose has depth the palate richness lots of cassia some black cherry all underpinned by fresher bramble. There is complexity with layers of fruit sweet on the back palate slightly fresher on the finish which is long, stylish elegant. 15 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Pauillac de Château Latour 89-92 2020-35 The nose is deep brooding packed with blackcurrant, black cherry and enriched by sloe. There is a mid intensity with layers of fruit giving complexity and a powerhouse of flavours on the finish. Tasted at the Château April 2016 91 2020-34 Concentrated black fruits the nose has a brooding richness the palate has depth. The layers of flavour the mix of black fruits give complexity with at the back intensity the finish still quite firm. Château Pédesclaux 5eme Cru 89-92 2020-40 The nose is quite concentrated with lots of damson plums. The palate feels fresh the black fruits underpinned by red cherry. There are layers of flavour quite complex with black fruited sweetness coming through towards the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 90 2020-36 Concentrated black fruits on the nose with the black plum richness on the start of the palate backed by firmer black cherry. There is mid sweetness a mix of black fruits but towards the back the tannins are more obvious the finish still quite tight and slightly short. Petit Mouton 88-91 2020-35 2 nd wine of Château Mouton Rothschild The nose has the freshness of red fruits quite bright and light. Richer flavours show through on the palate the black fruited mix underpinned by chocolate. Towards the back there is freshness that gives a tight feel on the finish Château Pibran 88 2015-28 Tasted at the Château May 2013 The nose has a chalky red fruited freshness and the palate is quite light with a mix of flavours red cherry backed by bramble and bilberry. Although there is sweet fruit towards the back the finish is light and quite fresh. Château Pichon-Lalande 2eme Cru 94-96 2022-40 Sweet black fruits give richness on the nose but on the palate bilberry freshness ensures a lighter more elegant feel to the mid palate. The black fruits have a floral charm the freshness rather overtaken by the powerhouse of black cherry and cassis that shows at the back. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 94 2025-45 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 The nose is rich yet there is freshness fragrance and style. The richness on the start of the palate lots of ripe black plum gives way to freshness with more bilberries and bramble yet the back palate and finish have real power lots of black cherry, blackcurrant and sloe. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 94 2025-45 The nose has a fragrant charm bramble and bilberry and the start of the palate is quite light elegant and fresh. Ripe black plum enriches the mid palate the black fruits underpinned by coffee and cocoa supple and fleshy. The fruit power fills out the back palate and gives depth on the finish. Château Pichon-Longueville 2eme Cru 93-96 2025-45 The richness of the black fruited mix gives real depth on the nose and flesh on the palate. Blackcurrant is underpinned by damson and firmed up by sloe. Powerful flavours pack out mid and back palate and although the tannins are firm they feel ripe. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 95 2025-45 The fruit on the nose is deep and brooding and the palate is packed with rich fruit. The sweetness of cassis and black plum are underpinned by firmer black cherry and sloe. The back palate has richness of flavour and the palate real depth. Tasted at the Château May 2013 96 2018-45 The palate has depth of fruit yet freshness and the palate is lean and muscular but it fills out in the middle with concentred black fruits. Black cherry dominates the back palate quite firm and although the finish is a bit tight but there is lots of fruit right at the back. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 96 2020-45 Bramble and bilberry the nose has a fragrant charm and the start of the palate is lean and muscular. Rich ripe back fruits fill out the mid palate deep and brooding the back palate has lots of cassis and black cherry slightly firmer the finish though deep and rich fruited. Tasted at the Château December 2015 96 2021-45 Tasted at the Château May 2016 Brooding depth the nose has a rich mix of cassis and black cherry the palate rich with layers of flavour. The tannins are firm but fine supporting but not dominating and at the back there is sweet fruit depth of flavour on the finish. Château Pontet-Canet 5eme Cru 93-97 2020-45 There is a lot of power on the nose lots of rich black fruits. Dark chocolate and coffee beans back the cassis and black cherry on the palate layers of flavour giving lots of complexity. The richness of the fruit copes well with the structured tannins. This is Pontet-Canet at its best. 17 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Tasted at Somerset House May 2012 93-97 2020-45 The nose is packed with a mix of black fruits that enrich the palate. Cassis and black cherry are backed by liquorice, coffee and dark chocolate adding to the richness. The tannins although firm feel ripe slightly closing down the finish at the moment. Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 96 2020-45 Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 Deep brooding black fruited the nose has richness and the palate a powerful mix of flavours. Liquorice, cocoa and chocolate add to the richness and complexity layers of flavour. Rounded tannins aid the suppleness the back palate and finish full of blackcurrant and black cherry. Reserve de la Comtesse 89-93 2020-38 2 nd wine of Château Pichon-Lalande The nose is bramble fresh with some deeper more intense black fruits behind. The tannins are structured but ripe and towards the back the sweetness of the cassis shows through enriching the finish. Tasted at the Maison Marques et Domaines tasting January 2014 93 2020-38 Sweet and ripe the nose has depth richness lots of black cherry. There are fresher fruits in the middle bramble and bilberry but it fills out at the back with black cherry, cassis and sloe. The finish is beginning to open up. Tourelles de Longueville 92 2017-30 Second wine of Château Pichon-Longueville Tasted at the Château May 2013 This second wine has the black fruited richness that is so typical of Pichon-Longueville and as the fruit is ripe the mid palate is rich and sweet. Under the black fruits the tannins are firm and the fruit at the back fresh giving a lighter more classical feel on the finish. Château Tour Sieujean 85-88 2018-30 The tannins are a bit tough rather holding back the fruit on the nose. Quite rich sweet black fruits fill out the mid palate the sweetness though rather overtaken by the tannins. Saint-Julien Château Beychevelle 4eme Cru 89-94 2020-40 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 The nose is quite firm but there is a good mix of black fruited flavours. The start of the palate has bilberry freshness but behind is richer cassis with a touch of black cherry. Firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit but there is the feel of more to show. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 91 2020-40 Black fruits dominate the nose and there is a mix of cassis and black cherry on the palate. The tannins are quite firm but feel ripe so that the richness of the fruit shows at the back. There is a good mix of flavours lots of complexity. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-40 Cassis and black cherry dominate with depth of fruit on the nose and sweetness on the palate. Under the richer flavours bramble refreshes and although the tannins are still quite obvious there is sweetness underneath. Château Branaire-Ducru 4eme Cru 88-92 2020-40 The nose has lots of ripe fruit just a bit sweaty sweet. Ripe black fruits give richness on the palate slightly sticky sweet but there is enough freshness right at the back to balance the rather fleshy richness. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2020-40 The fruit on the nose is rich sweet and the palate has depth with ripe black fruits. Chocolate and cocoa help to enrich the mid palate the sweetness balanced by bilberry and bramble freshness that shows through towards the back. Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 93 2018-35 Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 Although the nose is firm still quite closed there is depth and richness on the palate. Black cherry and cassis are underpinned by slightly fresher bramble but the sweeter flavours the blackcurrant and cherry enrich the back palate and finish. Clos du Marquis 90-94 2017-35 2 nd wine of Château Léoville Las Cases There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose all very black fruited. The richness of the fruit packs out the mid palate the cassis power balanced by bilberry freshness. The finish is slightly tight. Connétable de Talbot 87-91 2016-30 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 2 nd wine of Château Talbot There are some showy black fruits on the nose lots of cassis and black cherry. The sweetness is balanced by freshness but the rounded tannins and fleshy black fruits enrich the back palate. Château Croix Beaucaillou 89-93 2018-35 Rich ripe black fruits give power on the nose and depth on the palate. Cassis seems to dominate enriched by chocolate and coffee beans but under the richness there is freshness from the red cherry and bilberry. The tannins are remarkably fleshy and supple. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2eme Cru 92-96 2020-45 The nose is packed out with rich fruit black cherry vying with blackcurrant both underpinned by liquorice and coffee beans. The tannins give structure but the power and sweetness of the fruit is not held back just supported. Duluc de Branaire Ducru 89 2015-28 Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 The nose has lots of fragrances light but has charm. The palate although fresh at the start has more depth in the middle and although sweet at the back the finish is lighter and fresher. Les Fiefs de Lagrange 88-91 2016-30 2 nd wine of Château Lagrange There is a lot of ripe fruit on the nose all quite black in character. Powerful flavours come through enriching the mid palate lots of blackcurrant and black cherry underpinned by chocolate richness. There is enough red fruit freshness to balance. Château du Glana 84-87 2016-28 There is not a lot showing on the nose but damson comes through on the palate. The mid palate is quite dry the tannins firm and combined with the acidity shorten the finish. Château Gloria 86-89 2018-35 Both nose and palate are firm red fruited and rather closed down. The palate has a mix of freshness and sweetness with the firmness of the tannins becoming very apparent and holding back the fruit towards the finish. It seems to be lacking fruit richness and charm. www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 89 2020-36 The nose is quite tight with more red fruits than black. It feels richer on the mid palate some sweet fruit and ripe tannins. Fresh fruits show on the back palate giving a lighter feel and the finish is a bit short. Château Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru 88-91 2019-40 Although the nose seems quite light there are some attractive fragrances. Fresh red fruits show on the start of the palate but towards the middle the mix of cassis and black cherry gives a richer feel. The back palate lacks a bit of depth. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2022-40 The nose is quite fresh some attractive fragrances. The red fruits at the start give way to richer black with lots of cassis and black cherry richness of flavour. The back palate and finish have sweetness of fruit. Château Lagrange 3eme Cru 89-92 2020-40 The black fruited mix on the nose is rich and the palate is packed with rather chewy fruit. Riper flavours give sweetness on the mid palate a mix of cassis and dark chocolate but towards the back the tannins cut through holding back some of the fruit on the finish. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2020-40 Black fruits dominate the nose firm black cherry and sweeter cassis. The palate has richness and depth with lots of dark chocolate and liquorice and although there is a fresher feel towards the back the finish has richness and sweetness. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-40 The nose has richness the palate depth of fruit with a mix of cassis, black cherry and sloe all backed by coffee and dark chocolate. Fresher slightly lighter at the back there is a richer feel to the fruit on the finish. Château Lalande Borie 88-91 2018-35 There is nice sweet fruit on the nose with the black fruit richness give flesh on the palate. Towards the back there is balancing freshness with firm tannins in evidence at the moment. Tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting in Boodles April 2017 91 2018-34 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 The fruit is ripe the nose has sweetness the start of the palate feels fresher with bramble and cassis. The tannins are ripe fine well integrated with the fleshy richness at the back balanced by underlying freshness. Château Langoa-Barton 3eme Cru 92-95 2018-35 The nose has a lot of rich fruit squashy bramble and blackcurrant. Under the richness there is the freshness of bilberry balancing the richness. Towards the back the tannins are in evidence firm not aggressive and do not stop fruit expression Tasted in Bordeaux April 2012 92-95 2018-35 Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 94 2020-36 There is a lovely depth of fruit on the nose rich and sweet and this fills out the palate. The tannins feel ripe the palate supple and fleshy yet towards the back there is freshness bilberry and bramble that gives a lighter more elegant feel on the back palate. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 93 2020-40 Rich on the nose sweet fruited on the palate the rounded tannins help the mid suppleness the fleshy richness but towards the back bramble and bilberry refresh the finish lighter. Château Léoville Barton 2eme Cru 93-96 2025-45 The nose is packed out with black fruits all very cassis driven. Hints of cedar wood, liquorice and coffee beans add complexity to the palate the richness sweetness of the fruit balanced by bilberry freshness. It is complex with layers of flavour on the back palate. Tasted in Bordeaux April 2012 93-97 2025-45 Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 96 2025-45 The nose is serious packed with black fruits all very cassis driven. There is a mid complexity with the fruit underpinned by coffee beans, liquorice and cedar wood spice. The fruit lasts well on the back palate with power yet elegance on the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 95 2025-45 Serious brooding black fruits both nose and palate have lots of cassis and black cherry. Layers of fruit on the mid palate give complexity the fruit underpinned by coffee beans and dark chocolate the finish has cedar wood excitement. Château Léoville-Las Cases 2eme Cru 92-96 2023-40 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 Black fruited power is balanced by red fruited freshness a lovely complex mix of flavours. The mid palate is sensuously fleshy the fruit enriched by dark chocolate, coffee beans and liquorice but towards the back there is freshness that gives a lighter feel to the finish. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 95 2024-45 Concentrated flavours depth the palate has a brooding power the mid palate sensuous fleshy supple with dark chocolate, coffee and liquorice. The tannins give structure but feel ripe the underlying bramble gives a lighter fresher feel at the back but it finishes with dark black fruited power. Château Léoville-Poyferré 2eme Cru 92-96 2023-40 The nose is plush the fleshy black fruits enriched by chocolate. Fruit power packs out the mid palate the richness held in check at the moment by firm tannins and the freshness on the back palate. There are so many different layers of flavour on the palate, so much complexity. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 95 2024-45 The nose is rich packed with ripe fruit and the sweetness of the fruit on the palate is underpinned by chocolate, coffee beans and cocoa. The tannins are still quite firm but do not hold back the fruit sweetness. There is a balancing freshness a lot of complexity yet the back palate has a sweet feel. Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 94 2020-40 Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 The nose is still quite closed the black cherry on the start of the palate firm. Sweet flavours come through in the middle the black fruits underpinned by liquorice and dark chocolate and this powerful mix enriches the back palate. Château Moulin-Riche 88-91 2016-28 The nose is packed out with rich black fruits. Fleshy plum gives weight on the palate balanced by fresher black fruits bilberry and bramble. There is an attractive mix of flavours with the freshness on the back palate giving a lighter feel on the finish. Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 91 2018-30 Sweet fruited the nose has richness and depth and the palate a fleshy mix of black fruits. The rich mix is backed by ripe tannins the mid palate fleshy and supple but at the back it feels fresher with a lighter feel to the finish. 23 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Château Moulin de la Rose 84-87 2016-25 It is all a bit rustic with the fruit on the nose held back by firm tannins. There is some black fruited sweetness in the middle but towards the back the tannins cut in and slightly dry the finish. Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré 89 2018-30 Tasted at the Bordeaux Grands Cru tasting London May 2014 A mix of black fruits quite sweet cassis and fresher bramble give complexity. There is a good depth of fruit quite supple and fleshy in the middle fresher and firmer at the back. Le Petit Caillou 85-87 2016-30 The nose is quite light with red fruits spiced up by white pepper. The mid palate has lots of freshness with a real raspberry character but towards the back it lacks some weight of fruit leaving the finish quite light yet fragrant. Le Petit Lion 88-90 2017-35 It is remarkably red fruited which gives an appealing fragrant freshness on the nose. Sweeter fruit is there on the palate all quite juicy but the firm tannins tend to hold back the fruit at the moment. Réserve de Léoville Barton 88 2013-24 2 nd wine of Château Léoville Barton Tasted at the Château May 2013 Black fruits tend to dominate a mix of bilberry and cassis all quite fresh. The start of the palate lacks a bit of depth but it fills out in the middle and there is sweetness on the back palate and finish. Château Saint-Pierre 4eme Cru 88-92 2020-40 Although the nose is firm and apparently lacks richness of fruit there is a lot coming out on the palate. Layers of black fruit give complexity cassis backed by slightly firmer black cherry and sloe. The tannins are firm holding back the full fruit expression at this stage. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2020-40 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

BORDEAUX 2010 July 22, 2012 The nose is a bit tight but the palate is sweet and rich fruited with a nice mix of black fruits. The mid palate is fresher with red cherry and bilberry. There are layers of flavour some nice complexity and good length. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 92 2020-40 The nose has opened up and the start of the palate has sweet fruit with a strong black fruit character. It is fresher in the middle some bramble a hint of red fruit but at the back sweet fruit enriches. Château Talbot 4eme Cru 89-92 2020-40 Rich ripe black cherry and cassis are very much in evidence on the nose but the tannins are firm holding back the fruit on the mid and back palate. There is some complexity but it feels as though a bit of richness and depth. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 90 2020-40 Although the nose feels quite ripe there is more of a red than black fruit influence. The mid tannins are a bit obvious and tend to hold back the fruit but towards the back there is sweetness. The finish is firm and slightly short. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 90 2020-40 The nose is quite fresh the start of the palate tight with tannic structure. There is a sweeter feel at the back ripe cassis a touch of chocolate but it finishes very firm and quite tight. Margaux Alter Ego de Château Palmer 90-94 2018-35 2 nd wine of Château Palmer There is a lot of fleshy richness on the nose the black fruits spiced up by a hint of oak. Ripe fruit gives sweetness on the mid palate all quite plush but there are enough red fruit influences to lighten and balance. Château d Angludet 89-92 2020-35 The fruit is quite sweet and this gives some richness on the nose and flesh at the start of the palate. The tannins are firm and these combined with red fruit freshness tends to hold back some of the fruit towards the back. 25 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk

July 22, 2012 BORDEAUX 2010 Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2020-35 There is a nice mix of sweet black fruits on the nose and a richness of flavour on the palate. Although the tannins are still firm they feel ripe not aggressive with lots of black cherry and cassis filling out mid and back palate. Tasted at the Château September 2015 93 2022-35 The nose is still tight the start of the palate firm but it fills out in the middle with rich black fruits. Layers of fruit give complexity with ripe cassis underpinned by bilberry freshness. Rich at the back but the finish is firm and tight. Le Baron de Brane 89 2018-27 Tasted at the Château April 2017 The fruit on the nose is firm the palate has concentrated black fruits black cherry backed by sloe. Fresh in the middle with sweet fruit at the back the finish is richer and has depth. Château Boyd-Cantenac 3eme Cru 88 2018-28 Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 The fruit on the nose is light the start of the palate fresh a mix of bilberry and bramble. There is a little more weight of flavour in the middle but at the back it lacks richness and concentration. Château Brane-Cantenac 2eme Cru 89-92 2020-40 It is very sweet fruited on the nose with lots of rich ripe feeling black fruits. The tannins although firm do not overpower the fruit allowing the mix of cassis and bramble to fill out the back palate. Tasted at the UGCB tasting Royal Opera House November 2012 92 2020-40 There is a lot of ripe fruit on the nose and a richness of flavour on the palate. The mid palate is supple fleshy the fruit backed by tannins which although they are firm feel ripe. The finish has lots of blackcurrant and black cherry. Tasted at the MW Claret tasting Vintners Hall November 2014 91 2018-35 Sweet on the nose the palate has ripe fruit rich and supple. The tannins are still firm supporting but not over dominating and it fills out at the back with a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. Château Cantenac-Brown 3eme Cru 87-90 2020-35 www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk.... Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26