Château Margaux Margaux 2010

100 points James Suckling: "This was phenomenal from barrel and remains so. The aromas are spellbinding. It smells like a bouquet of pink roses and then goes to currants, berries and citrus. Full body, with wonderfully refined tannins. It starts discretely and then grows to different levels and dimensions like a slow but big high tide. The texture is so beautiful. Try it in 2020 or beyond. (2/2/13)"

100 points The World of Fine Wine: "Just as we are always trying to figure out which is who and who is which among identical twins, so it is that we are always scratching our heads as to which is the greater of two consecutive outstanding vintages. In some ways, 2009 and 2010 mirror 1989 and 1990. Both the vintages ending with 9 were exceptionally hot, even heat-ravaged. 2010 is more classic, and while 1990 was also hot, it was certainly not as searing as heatwave 1989. Winemakers are also split as to which is the more sensational, 2009 or 2010. Generally speaking, I prefer the more classic and more vivacious 2010. The red/blue/black fruit, including cherries, is still very primary. As for the rich tannins, incredibly, they are also very silky. A long future ahead. (Issue 60; 2018)"

99 points Robert Parker: "[$1,200 list] 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. (Feb 2013)"

98 points Wine Spectator: "TLiquid velvet, with stunning length and a caressing mouthfeel, as layers of creamed plum, blackberry coulis and steeped black currant fruit glides along, seamlessly intertwined with black tea, mulled blood orange, incense and lilac. Hints of mesquite and alder hang subtly in the background, and the structure, evident and massive, has melded wonderfully. -Non-blind Château Margaux vertical (December 2013). Best from 2018 through 2040. (2014)"

98 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "A great wine that is just starting out. The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend gives the structured, black currant character. Dark chocolate and layers of wood are forward, revealing how young the wine is. And then the fruit, so rich and powerful, brings deliciousness to the firm, dense structure. Age for many years. (May 2013)"