Château Giscours 2010

I thought this could be even more spectacular than it is, given the way the 2010 from Giscours performed from the barrel, but it is certainly outstanding. A beautiful wine, stunningly opulent, accessible and almost atypically forward, it is plump and delicious already, and in that sense, it is almost reminiscent of the 2009. Deep ruby/plum/purple, with juicy black raspberry and black currant fruit as well as hints of cedar, licorice, forest floor and underbrush, the 2010 is medium to full-bodied, layered, round and impossible to resist already. It should drink beautifully for 20-25 years.

Features a lightly firm, singed alder frame around a core of dark plum, cherry and cassis bush notes. Taut tar and warm paving stone notes fill in on the finish. Shows serious, well-embedded grip, and the core of fruit is spot on. This has the range, length and cut for the cellar. Best from 2014 through 2030.

Very perfumed: violets, irises and blackcurrants, supple and lively. Lifted and bright, with fruit and acidity to the fore. Lean and streamlined, tannic structure is there but no sign this has been pushed too far. Not trying too hard, clean and refined with noticeable acidity. A lovely wine.

Aromas of mint and currants with hints of fresh herbs. Then it turns to plum jam. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and pretty fruit. Long and caressing. This is really outstanding. Better in 2017.

The 2010 Giscours continues to show notes of mocha and dark chocolate on the nose, with a touch of wild mint and bold black fruit, though the 2009 has more nuance. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, very concentrated, still a little oaky, and again quite bold on the finish, which is overtly peppery. Overall, however, it lacks some elegance and feels a bit overpowering on the finish. Full-throttle.

Vibrant, fresh, floral, full-bodied, elegant, and young, the wine needs more time in the cellar to allow the tannins to melt away and for the wine to deliver all of its elegant, silky character. Drink from 2025–2045.

Dark, dense, ruby red; the nose is generous with lightly roasted coffee, red and dark berries, fine spices and well-integrated oak; the palate is still youthful, rather medium in weight with high acidity, finely grained tannin, elegant fruit, some herbal notes and a long, smooth finish. Needs more time to develop complexity, but fine material.

The 2010 Château Giscours is beautiful stuff and has classic Margaux elegance and complexity as well as notable richness and depth. Offering notes of ripe black fruits, smoked earth, freshly sharpened pencils, and tobacco leaf, it's not massive, but it’s medium to full-bodied and has a focused, balanced mouthfeel, integrated oak, and outstanding length. It's a quintessential Bordeaux to enjoy any time over the coming 15 years. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with lilac highlights on the rim. Intense fruit bouquet with redcurrant notes, a touch of grenadine, red cherries and lingonberries, underpinned by Dominican tobacco and a delicate hint of vanillin. Firm palate; the tannins mesh with the acidity, giving the extract a slightly muscular, strict edge. Well-structured and with potential to develop further.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with a lilac rim. Intense fruit bouquet, notes of blackcurrant, a touch of grenadine, red cherries and lingonberries, underneath Dominican tobacco and delicate vanillin. Firm palate, the tannins mesh with the acidity, giving the extract a slightly muscular, strict edge; has good potential and can improve further. (17/20). 12: Deep purple, subtly violet at the rim. Brilliant bouquet, fine mineral sheen, ripe cherries, a hint of vanillin and noble fine woods, delicate and multi-layered at once. On the palate like a beautiful melody, lots of finesse and everything is finely wrapped. I admit it — I underrated it by a full point at the barrel samples. Better that way than the other way around.

Velvety, creamy, sweet bouquet, candied fruits, blueberries, strawberries, mint, tobacco. Balanced, dense, velvety, medium-bodied palate with full fruit, firm tannins, elegant structure, powerful aromatics, long, fresh finish. Can improve further. 17/20 2018 - 2032

High levels of Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting how well this grape performed in the 2016 vintage as well as replanting in the vineyards, and you start to see today’s Giscours. Beautiful; for me this is hugely better than the 2009, with a creamy texture and plenty of dark ripe fruit character, paired with grip and understated power, opening into bitter chocolate, sage, liquorice and campfire smoke. Great quality, full of energy with a saline kick. Second year with Denis Dubourdieu as consultant, 50% new oak. Simonit & Sirch also began working on pruning in the vineyards at this point. Harvest from September 27 to October 14.

Dense attack, a broad mid-palate, suave and tannic, a touch of roundness, spicy finish. A fine success.

Dark, intense red color with slight evolution. Very aromatic and powerful nose with ripe fruit, a note of pine wood, and an unprecedented spicy character. It keeps changing with aeration. Delicate on the attack, juicy mid-palate, aromatic and flavorful, the wine loses a bit of power between the mid-palate and the finish. However, it ends long and even delicate. Blend: 71% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot.

A vintage of every superlative, 2010 here lives up to its reputation. Dense and structured, it is still in full vigor, tightly framed and carried by impressive tannic power. All the dials are set quite high. On the palate, one can discern an inky backbone, graphite, undeniable verve, and vibrancy. This is a very intense vintage, incredibly dynamic, with many long years still ahead.

Giscours shows an initial character of great style and elegance. The shining fruit and concentrated tannins follow, making it both a seductive wine and one with a long-term future.