2010 de Fieuzal, Pessac-Léognan (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1120869 91-94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(45% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot) Glass-staining ruby-purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, clove and violet. Sweet, juicy and concentrated, with plenty of lift and energy to the creamy, almost syrupy red and black fruit flavors. Very Pessac-Leognan 2010 in its easygoing texture but, unlike many other Bordeaux from this vintage, there is also a multidimensional, smoothly tannic character here that is extremely impressive. The best Fieuzal in years: this is a wine of great balance and fleshy appeal that will provide early accessibility yet age gracefully for decades. Very well done. (4/ 2011)

92 points James Suckling

This is very extracted with chewy tannins and lots of new wood but there's ripe fruit underneath and a pretty finish. Give it three or four years to soften. Fieuzal continues to improve. Best after 2016. (2/ 2013)

90-92 points Wine Enthusiast

A firmly tannic wine, solidly based on a dry texture, the black currant fruits a major element in its texture. It is dark, dry, guarding its freshness for the end. (6/ 2011)

92 points Wine Spectator

A sleek, ripe, driven wine, with raspberry, black currant and pastis-soaked plum notes at the core, lined with well-embedded toast, ganache and tobacco hints. The finely beaded acidity stitches this up nicely on the lengthy finish. Best from 2015 through 2030. (3/ 2013)

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A more tannic, backward style of Pessac-Leognan, this wine has attractive, elegant notes of sweet plum, fig, tobacco leaf and red and black currants. It is medium-bodied, elegant, rich and persistent on the palate. The tannins are still relatively elevated and the wine in need of 4-6 years of cellaring. It should keep for at least two decades or more. (2/ 2013)