2010 Essence de Dourthe (Bordeaux Superior)

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Some vintages truly hit all the right notes and 2010 is one of them. After a difficult spring, weather in summer right through to the end of the season was remarkable. There was sunshine almost every day and perfect temperatures with good night/day temperature variations, and slowly ripening grapes. Harvest 27 September to 19 October. Very different to the 2014, with a deep, opaque ruby-garnet colour. Very ripe nose, with blackberry and cassis. Quite a meaty, savoury note too. The palate is very dense, chewy and a little clunky. Impressive power but slightly forced. Heady alcohol, slightly raisined black fruit and cured meats on the finish. (TP)