My Article: 2010 Better than 2009 for Margaux?

I was looking at some scores today of 2010 Bordeaux barrel samples. One big point that is clear to me is how great the appellation of Margaux was in 2010. This is really a case of 1983 all over again.

You probably remember, but 1983 was a great year for Margaux. In most instances, 1983 was better for chateaux in the appellation than the legendary 1982. The wines were always fresher, more structured, and denser on the palate. And the same is true for 2010. Margaux in 2010 is better than 2009.

It’s tough to say that Chateau Margaux is better in 2010 than 2009, but I think so. It has a much more complex, ethereal, and subtle greatness to it than the bold and powerful 2009. I rated the 2010 Margaux a perfect 100 points a few weeks ago in Bordeaux. The 2009 I gave a rating of 99-100.

The greatness of the Margaux in 2010 is more obvious with the other three dozen or so properties that submitted barrel samples to me. Palmer, Rauzan-Ségla and Malescot-St.-Exupéry are three favorites. I scored them 97-98, 97-98, and 96-97, respectively. I loved their style of elegance and complexity with a firm and toned structure. These wines have real beauty. They are like super models in a classic Chanel or Valentino frock from the 1960s.

A number of wines in Margaux from 2010 are destine to be their best ever, such Giscours (94-95), Prieuré-Lichine (94-95), Cantenac-Brown (94-95), d'Issan (93-94).

I think wines from the appellation of Margaux are best when they combine the finesse and subtle character of district with the backbone and power of an exceptional vintage. It all seems to have come together in 2010.

So is 2010 better in Margaux than 2009? Yes.