2010 Paloumey, Haut-Médoc (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1067156 92 points Wine Enthusiast

*Cellar Selection* This big, concentrated effort is currently closed, but it’s already hinting at ripe black fruits, solid tannins and a long future. On the finish, acidity and a black currant note give the wine a final lift. Keep this for at least five years. (2/ 2013)

91 points Wine Spectator

Dark, grippy and very tarry, with lots of pebbly tannins driving underneath the layers of boysenberry, steeped fig and blackberry fruit. Ample baker's chocolate and dark tobacco fill in the remaining space. This will need a little cellaring to round into form, but remains a very solid, muscular version. Best from 2015 through 2022. (3/ 2013)

Jancis Robinson

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark purple. Scented. Lots of fruit and intensity without extraneous sweetness. What’s not to like? Quite racy. (10/ 2012)

James Suckling

Some chocolate and raspberry character and a touch of oak. Medium body, polished tannins. (4/ 2011)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A delicious blend of two grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (probably more of the former than the latter based on the way it tastes), this wine is a classic Bordeaux. Characteristics such as cedar wood, tobacco leaf, red and black currants and a touch of licorice can be found in its medium-bodied, easygoing, supple texture and surprisingly good depth. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. (2/ 2013)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, and 35% merlot; 35hL/ha; 13.7% alcohol) Medium red. Precise aromas of crushed raspberry, minerals, violet and licorice are still a little closed today. Then juicy and penetrating in the mouth, with brisk flavors of red cherry, minerals and spices. Firmly structured, this finishes medium long and taut, even a bit austere. (5/ 2011)