2010 Giscours

The 2010 Giscours continues to bear traits of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose, with a touch of wild mint and bold black fruit, though the 2009 has more nuance. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, very concentrated, still a little oaky, and quite bold again on the finish that is overtly peppery. Yet overall, it is missing some elegance and feels a bit overpowering on the finish. Full-throttle.

The 2010 Château Giscours is beautiful stuff and has classic Margaux elegance and complexity as well as notable richness and depth. Offering notes of ripe black fruits, smoked earth, freshly sharpened pencils, and tobacco leaf, it's not massive, but it’s medium to full-bodied and has a focused, balanced mouthfeel, integrated oak, and outstanding length. It's a quintessential Bordeaux to enjoy any time over the coming 15 years. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

High levels of Cabernet Sauvignon, a reflection of how well this grape did in the 2016 vintage as well as replanting in the vineyards, and you start to see the Giscours of today. Beautiful, this for me is hugely better than the 2009, with creaminess to the texture, and plenty of dark ripe fruit character, paired with grip and understated power, opening through to bitter chocolate, sage, liquorice and campfire smoke. Great quality, full of energy and saline kick. Second year with Denis Dubourdieu as consultant, 50% new oak. Simonit and Sirch began to work on the pruning in the vineyards also at this point. Harvest September 27 to October 14.