2010 (Ex-Château)

An undeniable star in Margaux – and from a vintage described as a “dream year” by Philippe Bascaules – the 2010 Château Margaux is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, raised in new barrels. This deep purple-hued beauty offers up a sensational perfume of smoky tobacco, red and black fruits, and graphite. Full-bodied and powerful, it boasts ripe, polished tannins and incredible depth on the palate. While it's not yet in its prime drinking window, it has everything you could ask for and will have an incredible evolution over the coming 50+ years.

90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Beautifully fragrant, an old spice-box of aromas. Blackcurrant fruit still youthful, at least on the nose, while the palate is more liquorice and aniseed flavoured, with drier and more savoury notes on the finish. Only mid-weight, and any tannins seem to have melted away. Long, tarry finish. (RH)

A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot, the 2010 Chateau Margaux is deep garnet in color. It needs a shake or two before it erupts from the glass with powerful notes of crème de cassis, baked plums, and licorice, followed by sparks of redcurrants, mocha, black olives, and tar, plus a fragrant waft of jasmine tea. The medium-bodied palate maintains its elegance and grace with a refreshing backbone and firm, yet fine-grained, tannins supporting the generous fruit, finishing with an array of beguiling spice, floral, and fragrant earth nuances. A masterpiece!