Chateau Margaux (Futures Pre-sale) 2010

"A phenomenal nose of roses, violets, and other flowers. Subtle yet rich raspberries and currants. It is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon. The is a curious wine, almost ethereal. It is all in the front of the palate with ultra-fine tannins. It is full and very, very rich but it is forever balanced and in harmony What a wine. It is a pinpointed wine. So cerebral. It sends shivers down my spine. Incredible. "

100 Points

James Suckling

"Paul Pontallier was rattling off some interesting statistics about Chateau Margaux. The 2000 (a great, great wine) was 13.1% natural alcohol, the 2005 13.1%, the 2009 13.2%, and the 2010, the highest ever measured, 13.5%. That is still nearly one degree less than the Pauillac first-growth of Chateau Latour at 14.4%. This blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc (representing only 38% of the total production) has the classic, quintessential Margaux character of spring flowers, almost cool-climate precision, medium body, and a seamless integration of tannin, wood and alcohol. The blue and black fruit characteristics are present, and the wine restrained. The most measured and polished of all the first growths I tasted, it is also less concentrated than any of the other first growths, but the elegance is classic. The harvest finished on October 15, which was not their latest by any means. This is one of the few first growths of 2010 where the tannins are remarkably delicate and sweet, and the softness of this wine will provide magical drinking at a relatively early age, yet its balance and concentration will carry it for 20 or more years.
Barrel Sample: 96-98 Points "

98 Points

The Wine Advocate

"A dense wine, but without huge power. It goes for the elegant side of Margaux, soft, beautiful. The black cherry fruits are lively, juicy, with extra fresh acidity. Not big, but definitely elegant.
Barrel Sample: 94-96 Points "

96 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Rather dense and muscular, with a broad range of red and black fruits, roasted apple wood and red licorice flavors. Features an iron-packed finish, but with a velvety coating.
Barrel Sample: 92-95 Points "

95 Points

Wine Spectator