2010 Clos de Sarpe, St-Emilion (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1125450 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This is a quintessential blockbuster, no-compromise, massive, pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-walls sort of wine with incredibly dense creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice, truffle and some background oak. Always one of the most concentrated and backward wines of the vintage, the 2010 is a prime example. I was interested to learn that the final blend and selection only produced about 625 cases of grand vin. Forget it for 10-15 years and drink it over the following century. (Oh, that's right - most of us won't be alive to challenge that estimate!) (2/ 2013)

90 points Wine Spectator

Dark and velvety, with mocha-coated blackberry and boysenberry fruit and a long, plush finish that lets roasted vanilla bean and cocoa notes linger. Frankly toasty, but with the depth of fruit to match. (Web Only- 2013)

89 points James Suckling

Sweet almost candied red fruit. Strawberries, blueberries, and crushed raspberries. Turns almost stewed but has some fresh acidity and dried fruit character. (3/ 2013)