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.

Score: 99 Robert Parker (RP), The Wine Advocate (WA), February 2013

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.

Score: 100 James Suckling (JS), JamesSuckling.com, February 2013

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Château Margaux features notions of minted blackcurrants, new leather and Black Forest cake with nuances of sautéed herbs, tar, underbrush and wild fungi plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.

Score: 98+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown (LPB), The Wine Advocate (WA), March 2021

The 2010 Château Margaux continues to deliver the goods, but like the 2005, it is a wine that demands patience. Backward on the nose, this vintage o!ers black fruit, crushed violet petals and mint, graphite and cedar joining the chorus line. This bouquet is only in its first chapter. The palate is one of the most structured in recent years, gripping the mouth like a Latour, the tannins perhaps having firmed up a bit in the last couple of years. But this has a crucial line of acidity that counterbalances the payload of fruit concentration with a bravura finish that is like a brass section going full pelt. Wonderful. Tasted at the château.

Score: 97 Neal Martin (NM), Vinous Media (VM), September 2023