2010 Margaux, Margaux 6-Pack in OWC

An undeniable star in Margaux – and from a vintage described as a “dream year” by Philippe Bascaules – the 2010 Château Margaux is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, raised in new barrels. This deep purple-hued beauty offers up a sensational perfume of smoky tobacco, red and black fruits, and graphite. Full-bodied and powerful, it boasts ripe, polished tannins and incredible depth on the palate. While it's not yet in its prime drinking window, it has everything you could ask for and will have an incredible evolution over the coming 50+ years.

The 2010 is a brilliant Chateau Margaux, as one might expect in this vintage. The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend hit 90%, the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and only 38% of the crop made it into the Chateau Margaux. Paul Pontallier, the administrator, told me that this wine has even higher levels of tannin than some other extraordinary vintages such as 2005, 2000, 1996, etc. Deep purple, pure and intense, with floral notes, tremendous opulence and palate presence, this is a wine of considerable nobility. With loads of blueberry, black currant and violet-infused fruit and a heady alcohol level above 13.5% (although that looks modest compared to several other first growths, particularly Chateau Latour and Chateau Haut-Brion), its beautifully sweet texture, ripe tannin, abundant depth and profound finish all make for another near-perfect wine that should age effortlessly for 30-40 years. (RP)