Calvados, sangiovese, Blend, S...
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Chateau d'Yquem 2010Sauternes (First Growth)
Picked predominantly over 10 days from October 14, the 2010 d’Yquem has 141gms/L residual sugar and pH 3.80. It is a slow-burner, the nose understated at first but unfurling with each passing moment with subtle scents of freshly sliced apricots, Clementine, clear honey and white flowers. There is an underlying minerality that really defines this bouquet. The palate is similar to the nose, revealing hidden facets with almost each swirl of the glass – orange blossom, limestone, white peach and honeysuckle. This is such a precise d’Yquem; it is after you have swallowed the wine that one comprehends just how brilliant it is. NEAL MARTIN
At the first tastings this vintage was often compared, on account of its liveliness, to the wonderful ’88. The same kind of vibrancy and “nerve” was mingling into the botrytis complexity in a similar way. Now, whilst it has retained all these vibrant qualities, the wine has clearly softened and the comparison should maybe now include a touch of ’89? Whatever, this is a great vintage of Yquem, in a prettier style to the monumental keeper vintages such as 09 or 05. BILL BLATCH
Drink 2025-2055. ‘2010 was a cool year for us.’ Winter and autumn cold, good dry, warm summer. Very healthy grapes, though quite a bit of rain on the flowering. A bit of coulure on Sauvignon so less than usual in the blend, just 13% compared to the usual 20%. Pale gold with slight greenness. Gorgeous, classic nose. Pear juice a go-go. Absolutely stunning freshness as well as all the botrytis. Classic. Real punchy perfect savoury Sauternes. Zesty and lovely with some chew on the end. No shortage of botrytis. Very distinctive and much less sweet than 2009. (155 g/l in 2009, 141 g/l in 2010). Refined finish. Finished 5 Nov. Five passes. Real punch and zest. Grapefruit peel. But not a massive sweet bomb. Alcohol 13.55%. JANCIS ROBINSON
PLEASE NOTE THIS WINE IS OFFERED EN PRIMEUR AND YOU WILL BE CHARGED THE FINAL (NOW) PRICE LESS 20% WITH THE BALANCE DUE WHEN THE WINE ARRIVES IN 2013.2010Sem/Sauv BlendFrance481$1,615.00 -
Biondi Santi Brunello La Storica Riserva 2010This gorgeous, fragrant wine opens with classic Sangiovese scents of violet, rose, perfumed red berry, new leather and a whiff of baking spice. The elegant, radiant palate delivers crushed Marasca cherry, ripe strawberry, cinnamon, black tea and a hint of pipe tobacco. Firm, ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity offer an age-worthy structure and impeccable balance. It's already stunning but will evolve for decades. (100) KERIN O'KEEFE
Wow, hauntingly dark and earthy yet in the best possible way, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica entices with an array of mentholated herbs and earth tones, tobacco, steeped plums and exotic spice. This is elegance personified with cooling minerality and bright acidity that adds an abundance of energy as crisp red fruits flow across the palate with ease. It finishes remarkably fresh yet leaves a saturation of primary fruits as rosy inner florals and hints of blood orange fade. This is impressively energetic for the vintage, plus showing beautifully today after just an hour of being open in the bottle. ANTONIO GALLONI
The 42nd Riserva since 1888 which coincided with what was effectively the relaunch of Brunello post Brunellogate. Exclusively from vines at least 25 years old. Aged in Slavonian botte for three years.
Quite a deep ruby – much deeper than the 2018 tasted alongside. Very mellow nose that's rich, layered and alluring. Complete and a great testament to Biondi-Santi's longevity. Great balance yet refreshing. This really spreads across the palate to enliven every taste bud. Powerful but not at all heavy. There's still some tannin – but very ripe tannin. Really racy with a bone-dry finish. Essence of Brunello. (18.5) JANCIS ROBINSON2010sangioveseItaly495$1,870.00 As low as $1,683.00 -
Biondi Santi Brunello La Storica Riserva 1988Vivid ruby with a slightly orange rim, the 1988 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Storica lifts from the glass with a wonderfully mature bouquet, blending steeped plums and blood orange with lifting hints of mint and sweet spice. This is amazingly fresh, fleshy and round yet propelled by a core of brisk acidity as masses of ripe red fruits envelope the palate. The finish is long and staining while maintaining amazing energy, tapering off with just a hint of fine tannin and a dried strawberry resonance that slowly fades. Harmonious is the word that comes to mind while tasting this cool-toned beauty. This is a stellar La Storica release that should not be missed. ERIC GUIDO1998sangioveseItaly495$2,705.00 As low as $2,434.50