The Legendary 2010 Bordeaux Vintage

Cat Stephani | March 24, 2022

One for the record books of the century, the 2010 Bordeaux vintage triumphed with unanimous praise upon its legendary release over a decade past.

Wines of unparalleled concentration astonished critics and collectors alike, as the world suddenly found itself locked in an enthralling debate - could the formidable power of a classically structured 2010 outmatch the magnificent opulence of 2009 that had floored palates only a year prior?

Now on the cusp of their drinking windows, there is no doubt the 2010 Bordeaux vintage deserves its place within the first rank of growing seasons, along with 2005, 2009 and 2016.

A crucially dry and cooler fall brought perfect phenolic ripeness to the thick skinned berries that were already concentrated by the summer’s drought. The results surmounted in bold wines of robust intensity, balanced by an abundance of wonderfully fine tannins that will continue to reward patience for decades to come.

On the left bank, leading blends from Cos d’Estournel and Montrose live up to reputation in Saint Estèphe, while Langoa Barton and Léoville Las Cases impress with elegant restraint in Saint Julien - the former offers outstanding value for those eager to decant.

An exemplary performance from Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge is a highlight for lovers of Pessac Léognan, while whispers of excitement continue to grow for some of the right bank’s top châteaux - could 2010 prove to be one of the greatest releases of Cheval Blanc yet? Recent tastings that revisit continue to point collectors in a promising direction, while Mouton follows in a similar suit just across the Garone.