Bordeaux 2010 – An Embarrassment of Riches

It seems almost embarrassing, after the success of the 2009 vintage, to be heralding another excellent year in Bordeaux. Yet, from our extensive tastings in the region, we can confirm that the 2010 vintage is – indeed – great. Stylistically wholly different from the opulent 2009 vintage, this is a vintage for the long-term, with many properties producing wines that qualitatively rival (often even exceeding) their 2009s.

While Lay & Wheeler has successfully offered the fine wines of Bordeaux en primeur for many years, the coming together of Lay & Wheeler and Majestic over the last two years has further strengthened our position in Bordeaux with both Négociants and Châteaux. Majestic brings financial stability and, with a 12% market share (by value) of all Bordeaux sold in the UK off-trade, this will lead to some good allocations, making us a reliable place to buy en primeur.

Our entire sales and buying team travelled to Bordeaux this year to assess the vintage, giving us a broad view of the wines and the various success stories. Our full tasting notes are enclosed for your information, as well as the views of Nick Dagley, our buyer for Lay & Wheeler. We hope this gives you a clear picture of the vintage as a whole, as well as giving you a taste of our enthusiasm for a great many of the wines.