2010 Beauséjour (Duffau), St-Emilion (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1072652 100 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 is a more structured, masculine and steely version of the utterly compelling 2009. Tasting like black raspberry confiture with subtle notes of graphite and crushed chalk along with enormous floral notes, the wine displays a slightly smoky character but a voluptuous attack, mid-palate and finish. Its is full-bodied and massively endowed, with every component perfectly etched in this extraordinary wine, which should be drinkable after 7-8 years of bottle age and last for a half-century or more. This is brilliant stuff. Composed of 73% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from yields of 21 hectoliters per hectare, the alcohol is the highest ever registered at Beausejour-Duffau, coming in at 15%, but remarkably, the pH is modest and the acids relatively elevated, giving the wine an astonishing freshness and precision that is hard to believe in view of its power, density and length. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055+. (2/ 2013)

98-99 points James Suckling

Clearly the best wine from here since 1989 or 1990. The intensity of dark fruits is insane with citrus and flowers as well as dark fruits. Full and lively with a finish that lasts for minutes but it is dense and impressive. (4/ 2011)

95 points Wine Spectator

A beautiful, floral-tinged style, with a delightfully expressive core of kirsch and linzer torte that bursts forth, while lots of red licorice, bergamot, black tea and blood orange notes fill in the remaining space. This has terrific range, with a long, creamy finish as well, but don't be fooled, there's serious grip in reserve and should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2030. (3/ 2013)

94 points Wine Enthusiast

A solid and dense wine, showing the big improvements at this château. It hovers deliciously between acidity and ripe, forward fruit. The touch of smokiness from the wood aging goes with the fragrant, juicy black cherry and berry fruits. The wine will certainly age over many years. (3/ 2013)

90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Opaque, almost impenetrable inky-purple. Perfumed nose of blackcurrant, blackberry syrup, allspice, balsamic reduction and sage. Then clean and fresh in the mouth, with superripe flavors of black fruits and mocha given clarity and cut by lively acidity. This pure, long wine finishes smooth but just a tad warm. (6/ 2011)

K&L Notes

73% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.