Bordeaux 2010 - Vintage Report

Bordeaux 2010, like 2009 before it, is an exceptional vintage, born of extreme weather conditions.  Both are vintages of big, powerful, structured wines with high alcohols and tannins, built for the long term, but stylistically they are very different.  2009 was characterised by exuberant, opulent fruit and by the incredibly velvety nature of the tannins – the result of a gradual, perfect growing season.  In contrast 2010 was much more volatile with a dry but not overly hot summer, a cooler autumn and much greater temperature variations between day and night preserving high acidities.  

Sugars accumulated and were concentrated by months of drought.  The berries, small and deep in colour, gave an exaggerated tannic structure which allied to high acidity, would turn out to be the hallmark of the year.

Growers were able to pick and choose harvest dates, trying to achieve the perfect balance between optimum ripeness and excessive alcohol.  There is more variation in the Merlot therefore, especially in Saint Emilion where harvest dates differ greatly. 

The challenge was to retain the natural equilibrium of the raw materials without overdoing it.  For most properties, the key was a gentle approach in the cellar:  a long (cold) maceration period and limited pumping over, to avoid extracting too much harsh tannin.

THE WINES
Following our tastings, the best wines are magnificent, full to the brim with solid fruit, powerful ripe tannins, and heightened acidities.  Alcohols are high (13-14 degrees on the left bank, 14-15 degrees on the right bank) but hardly noticeable in balance with the other structural components.  In contrast, the least successful wines are marred by excessive alcohol and harsh, drying tannins from over-extraction.

With high proportions of Cabernet, Northern Medocs (St Estephe, Pauillac, St Julien, Medoc, Haut Medoc, Moulis) are generally very successful and ‘classic’ with huge density, bold tannins, freshness and great ageworthiness.  There are some really good Haut-Medocs & Moulis that are definitely worth a look.

Margaux are full of flavour, stylish and intense.  Usually one of the most variable of appellations, quality is more consistent than in previous years.

Graves & Pessac-Leognan are perfectly ripe with complex aromatics, richness and sometimes high alcohols.

Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol - Intense and the best are fresh, floral and dense. 

Saint Emilion - The area with the greatest variation across several aspects:  harvest dates, winemaking, style and quality. 

Dry Whites - A very successful year.  These are exciting wines with concentrated pure fruit, juiciness and tense acidities, thanks to the dry summer and the cool nights. Probably one of the best years for some time.

Sauternes - The benefits of the long slow ripening season are clear to see – aromatic (like 2007) with crystal-clear fruit, gorgeous richness (as in 2005) and refinement (as in 2001).  Fresh and pure without the density of 2009, these are wines that can be enjoyed from an early age and will pair exceptionally well with food.

THE MARKET & PRICING
The market for Bordeaux wines is booming with international demand at its strongest in recent years.  The traditional European markets are still important buyers, but after several years of sitting out en primeur, the US is said to be back in the game for 2010.  However, Asia is still the biggest influence on the market.  The Chinese love affair with Bordeaux is flourishing, as evidenced by the presence of large groups for the en primeur tastings.  With access to such an immense audience, they are being actively courted by Chateaux owners.  As the prices of back-vintages soar (and very little stock left in Bordeaux) there is little incentive for Chateaux owners to keep a lid on pricing.

The success of this vintage will be label-led with huge competition for allocations of First Growths, wines with connections to First Growths, and for a number of wines that have become ‘brands’.  We also predict demand to increase on Classed Growths generally, particularly those that are still at affordable levels.

Even at high prices, 2009 was a runaway success with many Chateaux selling out quickly in Bordeaux so euro release prices of 2010 are expected to be at least as expensive.  This is bad news for us in the UK where the Pound is currently about 5% weaker.  Competition for allocations will be fierce and there could well be many more wines to be released in several price ‘tranches’ so speed will be of the essence.  Please make sure to submit your wishlists and/or pre-orders this year.  

2010 is another grand vintage in the annals of Bordeaux history
A modern-day version of 1989/1990, there is little doubt that the debate over quality of the twin vintages 2009/2010 is set to run and run. In general, 2009 is immediately charming and easy to love, while 2010 is intense, more traditionally styled and probably even longer-lived.  To be able to compare wines from the same Chateau side by side will be the subject of many thrilling tastings over the years.