Some minor 2010 Bordeaux

Or “affordeau” as it may be known in the wine trade…

Château Lalande

Cru Bourgeois from St.Julien, but not the better known Lalande-Borie. A bit on the rough side, but textbook pencil lead.

85 points

Château Laroque

Cru Bourgeois, Margaux, not the better known St.Émilion property of the same name. Bitter blackcurrant – the cassis comes through very heavily.

84 points

Château Louvie

St.Émilion Grand Cru, not that the grand-sounding designation “Grand Cru” means so much here. 80% Merlot, but with a slightly stony, smoky character that makes it seem a bit more left-bank – nevertheless, a right-bank sweetness to the fruit.

85 points

Château Rocher Bonregard

Pomerol. Rough, acidic, thin – doesn’t feel like Pomerol at all. What went wrong here?

81 points

Château De La Croix

Cru Bourgeois, Médoc. Hot fruit black and red fruit, not a lot else.

84 points

B de Biac

From Cadillac, way down in the south of Entre-Deux-Mers. Southern hot black fruit character, creamy texture.

86 points

Sénéjac

Lovely big fruit, structure and oak spice.

88 points