2010 Bordeaux Futures
Seems like we just got through all of the commotion surrounding 2009 and now offers for 2010 futures are appearing. With the prices of the better 2009's having gone insane after the WA ratings I was wondering if there are 2010's I should be considering.
Hi Steve... Thank's for making your first post!
Two questions... What style of Bordeaux wine are you seeking and in what price range? There are wines in 2010 worth buying and for some, at least to me, some to avoid... Let me know and I'll share some tips...
Jeff
I've been buying the better performing non-FG's. I am interested in a variety of Chateau's from both banks. I have followed your and Parker's suggestions in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009 with less volume of purchases as prices have gone up. I would say my budget is up to around $150 per bottle. Since I hope to cellar these until ready I would rather buy higher quality over volume.
Sorry for the delay in the response. I've been swamped. I'm getting ready to travel to Bordeaux next week! There are a lot of strong wines to buy in that price range for 2010 Bordeaux. It really depends on the style of wine you like. 2009 is all about sex appeal and opulence. 2010 is more tannic, structured and acidic.
Most 2010 Bordeaux should not move up much until Parker's report comes out next year. Most of the action will remain on 2009 Bordeaux for the year.
St. Emilion is better for almost every estate in 2010. Pomerol is in most cases worse in 2010 than it was in 2009. St. Estephe is much better in 2009. Pauillac is a little better in 2009. The remaining regions are a coin toss, some wines are better in 09, others are better in 2010.
More important than quality between the vintages is the character of the wines. It really depends on the style of wine you like. 2009 is all about sex appeal and opulence. 2010 is more tannic, structured and acidic. 2009 will drink well young age for decades, 2010 will require time and should age even longer.
Once past those generalizations.... These are a few of the 2010 Bordeaux wines I like a lot.
2010 Bordeaux buying tips from the Left Bank and Pessac Leognan
Grand Puy Lacoste
Pontet Canet
Pichon Baron... Yes, it's more money, but IMO, it's the best wine they have ever produced. It is stunning!
Branaire Ducru
Leoville Poyferre
Malescot St. Exupery
Giscours
Brane Cantenac
d'Issan
Branon
Smith Haut Lafitte
2010 Bordeaux buying tips from the Right Bank, St. Emilion and Pomerol
Clinet... They are on the way up and prices will rise.
Troplong Mondot
Larcis Ducasse
Pavie Macquin
Jeff,Originally Posted by Jeff Leve
In your view which of these wines are better in 2010 (than 2009)? I'd be interested in your opinion on all the ones you mention, but am particularly interested in these:
Ducru B
Pichon Baron
Troplong Mondot
Larcis Ducasse
Leoville Las Cases
Pontet Canet
Smith
VCC
Clinet
Thanks. Hope your trip is going well.
Steve
Steve... Thanks for your first post. I appreciate it. If you are thinking of buying Bordeaux, for the next 11 months, I'd focus my dollars on 2009. Those wines could increase in value and it will take some time for 2010 to get moving as Robert Parker will not release his notes until next next March or the end of April.
That being said, from your list of 2010 Bordeaux that you're asking about... In my opinion, only Clinet and perhaps Leoville Las Cases are better in 2009. Leoville Las Cases is probably of equal quality, but due to the massive structure and tannins, 2010 will take decades to develop and I like the style of the 2009 better.
2010 Pichon Baron is the best wine ever produced at the estate. It was for me, much better than 2009. It has more of everything.
Thanks for the well wishes for the next trip to Bordeaux. I have not left yet. I'm off, up and running Thursday!
Have you opened anything good lately?
Wow, thanks Jeff. It sounds like 2010 should be amazing. As you've said, it also seems like the two vintages should be pretty different stylistically, but both should be great in their own way.
It's really saying something that you prefer some of the '10's (e.g. Smith, Pontet Canet, Troplong, VCC) that received perfect or close to perfect reviews from Parker. Is that because you didn't feel as strongly about those particular '09 wines as RP, or because the '10's are just that good? I realize you and RP have your own individual perspectives, but it seems like you guys are more aligned than you are different.
I just got a "sample" 375 of the 09 St. Pierre today which is the first 09 that has landed in my cellar. I have several cases of 09 Bordeaux ordered, so I was trying to get ahead of the game on the '10's. If wines like PC, Smith and Troplong are better than the 09's, I am thinking about locking in on them before they become even more expensive.
On a separate note and to answer your question, I have been on a Cali Pinot track lately...just opened an 09 Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast that was amazingly good for a $25 wine (I think this is a winery worth following for Thomas Brown fans...they also make nice cabs).
Steve... Keep in mind, these Bordeaux wines change from when they are in barrel. They can come together, soften and add weight and complexity, or the tannins and the wine could become harder. Having tasted numerous Bordeaux vintages in the barrel, my guess is, the wines you asked about are more concentrated, have better levels of depth and additional layers of complexity. They are more mouth filling and a little longer in the finish.
The 2010's were also more money. It's amazing to me that some of the already very expensive 2010 Bordeaux wines are slowly looking like decent deals.
What 2009's did you buy?
Decision! Decision! If I can only buy either L'Eglise Clinet 2009 or L'Eglise Clinet 2010, which one should I go for? Most of the time I don't buy same wine on consecutive vintages unless they are my favourite wines.
Hi Peter... Welcome to the board! l'Eglise Clinet is on top of their game in Pomerol these days. If I had to pick one year over the other, I'd go with 2009, it is a more opulent, lush style of Pomerol. Else, why not buy some of each? These are my notes on l'Eglise Clinet L’Eglise Clinet
Thanks for the link to your tasting notes. It would be nice to buy both years, but.........
The truth is that I have never tasted this wine before, just not sure how it is going to be like. I do have a case of 1996 L'Eglise Clinet sitting somewhere in the storage warehouse, maybe its time to bring them back!!!
Peter... 1996 is a moderatre year for Pomerol and no better for l'Eglise Clinet. It will not give you an idea on how spectacular the wines are. Look for 1998, 2000 or the best deal today is on the 2001 l'Eglise Clinet. Great wine!
Jeff.....I have not bought the 2009 L'Eglise Clinet yet but end up bought some 2010 Bordeaux such as Vieux Chateau Certan, Le Tre Roteboeuf, Larcise Ducasse, Pontet Canet, Conseillante, Clinet, Montrose, Haut Brion, Grand Puy Lacoste, and Pichon Baron. It's all your fault.......lol.......
Last edited by Peter Lin; 03-23-2012 at 10:39 PM.
Peter... Glad I could help.Those are all outstanding 2010 Bordeaux wines. I own a few as well.
Jeff, in '09 I bought Troplong, Pontet Canet, SHL, St. Pierre, Leoville Poyferre, L'evangile, Ducru, Duhart, Pavie Macquin, Larcis Ducasse and one bottle of Haut Brion and Cos. Got most of them early enough that my prices look pretty good compared to current prices.
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