2010 Lalande Borie

2010 Lalande-Borie has a feisty and animated bouquet, more red fruit than black, with attractive pencil lead scents coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, tobacco and graphite, quite penetrating and sharp on the finish. Bottle age will just smooth out the edges, but I appreciate the energy in situ. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Lalande-Borie gives up exuberant notes of baked raspberries, chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries with wafts of black currant pastilles, dried roses and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a good amount of juicy, expressive fruit with a chewy texture and lively acidity, finishing on a stewed tea note.

Tasted blind. Smudgy garnet. Sweet cassis and a touch herbal and just the start of undergrowth aroma. Compact, smooth and nicely balanced. Fresh cedary finish. (JH)