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2010 Vintage - early reports
There is little doubt we have a great vintage in the making. The 2010 vintage draws to a close a decade of good and great vintages - an excellent time for the wines of Bordeaux. In 2010 the weather conditions were good, progress continued to be made for the better in both the vineyards and the cellars and the financial resources of Chateaux have helped in this regard.
In general, a little rain fell during the flowering (late May - early June) which meant that from the start there was to be a smaller than average crop.
The summer and autumn months were dry rather than hot, with just enough rain when needed to prevent excessive stress on the vines. The nights were mainly cool giving that boost to acidity (necessary for lengthy ageing potential) and added aromatic richness.
The 2010 grapes finished up smaller and therefore more concentrated than in 2009 and may prove to have more early charm. More details on the outcome to follow.

VINTAGE UPDATE 5th May

The 2010 vintage is now expected to be a great vintage with similar concentration and the high alcohol levels of the 2009s. In other aspects it is very different to the softer 2009s (created by gentle, progressive weather throughout the vintage).
The 2010s are more robust, the product of quite aggressive and extreme weather conditions and severe dehydration. From spring to the harvest the vines encountered short periods of intense growth, interspersed with long periods of consolidation - totally different to the progressive development of its predecessor.
The summer heat was never excessive. July was hotter than in '09, August cooler. It was this cooler month that preserved the freshness and high level of acidity. Production levels for cru bourgeois are expected to be similar to the '09s, with the cru classe between 10-30% down again.

The Reds
Solid wines with high sugars producing strongly alcoholic wines (generally lower than '09s with the exception of certain parts of the Right Bank and Pessac Leognan). More rugged in style than the '09s and none of the opulence. Incredibly strong tannic edge. Probably as long lasting as the '09s but in a markedly differing way. The easiest recent comparison is with the 2005s - yet it was a much drier year in 2010 leading to more sugar concentration, higher tannins and acidity, with very tight Cabernet and Merlot fruit.

Dry Whites
A tremendous year for the dry white wines of Bordeaux. More aromatic, bright, fresh as well as huge weight. The Sauvignon Blanc is full of aromatic style while the Semillon is highly concentrated.
The cooler August trapped the acidity and freshness into the grapes as they headed towards ripeness.

Sauternes
Lovely, floral, fresh style while retaining a lush and sweet character. Less dense and rich as the '09s though. The lack of late season rains delayed and reduced the botrytis.