2010

Vintage Quality: Legendary

Current Status: Ready to drink, suitable for further aging

The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux is recognized as legendary. Despite an extraordinarily dry growing season that posed its challenges, the year ultimately delivered outstanding results. A cold winter and issues with budding and flowering reduced yields, but dry, sunny conditions from summer to October allowed for the concentration of grapes and the preservation of acidity. Rainfall in September added freshness to the grapes.

Although drought reduced the harvest, what survived was generally brilliant. In Margaux, wines were exceptional from the top estates to lesser-known producers. Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Julien, and Pauillac produced extraordinary wines. On the Right Bank, the quality was slightly less consistent, especially in Saint-Émilion, but some great wines were undoubtedly made. Pomerol, however, produced several exceptional wines.

A fantastic balance between body, alcohol, tannins, fruit character, and acidity marked the vintage. The best reds had a sophisticated, intense dark fruit character with the potential to develop in the coming years. Although criticism was rare, a small portion of wines suffered from over-extraction, tending to be clumsy and overly alcoholic. Whites were less consistent due to the heat, but the best were refreshing and rich with hints of semi-tropical and tropical fruits.

Overall, the 2010 vintage for Bordeaux was exceptional, with many wines beautifully drinkable now and some with potential for further aging. Expect high prices, though.