2010 Larmande, St-Emilion (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1067049 95 points James Suckling

Attractive nose with animal notes, mint and dark fruit. Wonderful freshness at the beginning of the palate and builds up with a huge structure and multilayered texture. Long and very classy. Great potential but needs a couple of years to soften up the tannins. Best wine for a long time. Try after 2016. (2/ 2013)

92 points Wine Spectator

Dense and slightly chewy in style, with a strong briary edge to the warm currant confiture and steeped black cherry fruit. A strong roasted alder note on the finish keeps the grippy feel going. This may ultimately lack finesse in the end, even after cellaring, but has some guts and character for sure. Best from 2015 through 2026. (3/ 2013)

89-90 points Wine Enthusiast

On the firm, dry side, with more tannins than fruit, this is a wood-laden, extracted wine. It is tough, with a bitter edge. (6/ 2011)

Jancis Robinson

Very dark crimson. There is freshness on the nose. Earl Grey tea aromas. One of the lighter St-Émilions but graceful and well balanced. Very racy. Almost angular on the finish but distinctive. Not for those who seek weight! (4/ 2011)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A low-keyed minerality along with hints of fruit, earth and underbrush characterize the 2010 Larmande. With more stuffing and richness than recent vintages have possessed, it is an elegant, medium-bodied effort with light to moderate tannins. Drink it over the next 12-14 years. (5/ 2011)