Vinous (94+)

(from a yield of about 28 hectoliters per hectare, according to Ghislaine Barthod): Good bright, full red. Very closed yet delicate nose offers scents of black cherry, licorice, fresh herbs and minerals. Soil-driven, saline and sweet, with powerful minerality accentuating the wine's superb concentration. Wonderfully tactile yet light on its feet, this taut, vibrant wine saturates the entire mouth and stains the front teeth. As with Barthod's other 2010s, the tannins are extremely refined. Barthod notes that the 1999 version of this wine is still young, and she believes that this 2010 will take even longer to reach full maturity.

Vinous (94+)

(from a yield of about 28 hectoliters per hectare, according to Ghislaine Barthod): Good bright, full red. Very closed yet delicate nose offers scents of black cherry, licorice, fresh herbs and minerals. Soil-driven, saline and sweet, with powerful minerality accentuating the wine's superb concentration. Wonderfully tactile yet light on its feet, this taut, vibrant wine saturates the entire mouth and stains the front teeth. As with Barthod's other 2010s, the tannins are extremely refined. Barthod notes that the 1999 version of this wine is still young, and she believes that this 2010 will take even longer to reach full maturity.

Vinous (98+)

The 2010 Barolo Francia is an exotic, beguiling beauty. Lavender, sage, menthol, tobacco and dried rose petals are some of the notes that open up in the glass. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2010 is utterly captivating. The combination of super-expressive aromatics, pliant fruit and pulsating tannins is something to behold. It will be many years before the 2010 is ready to deliver the goods, but it is already utterly captivating from the very first taste. Readers should note that, because of new vineyard regulations, the Cascina Francia is now known simply as Francia. In 2010, the corks had already been printed by the time that decision was made, so the corks on the 2010 read 'Cascina Francia.'

Vinous (100)

I debated whether or not to include the 2010 Barolo Riserva Monfortino in this tasting. Conventional wisdom says it is way too young, especially from magnum. You know what? I hate conventional wisdom. One of the undeniable truisms is that Monfortino is more enjoyable young now than it was twenty years ago. As for the 2010, it is every bit as monumental as everyone in the room expects. A wine of breadth and grandeur, the 2010 boasts tremendous depth in every dimension. Time in the glass brings out kirsch, rose petal, menthol, leather and mocha nuances, but the 2010 is ultimately a wine to adore for its complete and profound beauty. From magnum it is truly mesmerizing.

Vinous (93)

Ferruccio Grimaldi's 2010 Barolo is an excellent introduction to the vintage. Dark red cherry, plum, cinnamon and new leather notes emerge from the glass in a distinctive, medium-bodied Barolo. The 2010 stands out for its energy, balance and poise. Freshly cut flowers and tobacco linger on the finish. The 2010 is showing beautifully at this stage, especially if given a little aeration. Dried flowers and spices linger on the lifted finish. I very much like the sense of energy and intensity here. Grimaldi's Barolo is made from plots in Ravera and Terlo, and aged in a combination of cask and smaller French oak barrels.

Vinous (94)

“The 2010 Barbaresco Riserva Vanotu 60th Anniversary Limited Edition is drinking beautifully. Silky and perfumed, the 2010 is now entering its first plateau of maturity. Sweet tobacco, dried flowers, menthol and coffee lend striking aromatic complexity as the 2010 opens in the glass. The 2010 is rich and layered, as all of Giorgio Pelissero's wines are, but time has mellowed some of that exuberance.”

Vinous (94)

“The 2010 Barbaresco Riserva Vanotu 60th Anniversary Limited Edition is drinking beautifully. Silky and perfumed, the 2010 is now entering its first plateau of maturity. Sweet tobacco, dried flowers, menthol and coffee lend striking aromatic complexity as the 2010 opens in the glass. The 2010 is rich and layered, as all of Giorgio Pelissero's wines are, but time has mellowed some of that exuberance.”

Vinous (94)

“The 2010 Barbaresco Riserva Vanotu 60th Anniversary Limited Edition is drinking beautifully. Silky and perfumed, the 2010 is now entering its first plateau of maturity. Sweet tobacco, dried flowers, menthol and coffee lend striking aromatic complexity as the 2010 opens in the glass. The 2010 is rich and layered, as all of Giorgio Pelissero's wines are, but time has mellowed some of that exuberance.”

Vinous (94)

“The 2010 Barbaresco Riserva Vanotu 60th Anniversary Limited Edition is drinking beautifully. Silky and perfumed, the 2010 is now entering its first plateau of maturity. Sweet tobacco, dried flowers, menthol and coffee lend striking aromatic complexity as the 2010 opens in the glass. The 2010 is rich and layered, as all of Giorgio Pelissero's wines are, but time has mellowed some of that exuberance.”

Renowned for its exceptional composition and elegant nose, Giorgio Scarzello e Figli Barolo Sarmassa Merenda 2010 is a remarkable vintage. Produced in the celebrated winemaking region of Piedmont, Italy, the Nebbiolo grapes are carefully nurtured in the esteemed Scarzello vineyards in the heart of the Barolo region.

Layered with complex flavours, this exquisite wine boasts dense notes of wild cherry, ripe strawberry, and subtle tobacco, harmoniously embracing tannic structure and a lingering finish. Giorgio Scarzello, a respected vintner, has been meticulous in producing this wine, allowing it a 30-month maturation in oak barrels and further refinement in the bottle, to achieve its characteristic depth and remarkable mellowness.

The Giorgio Scarzello e Figli Barolo Sarmassa Merenda 2010 is the epitome of premium Italian wine, demonstrating an authenticity and timeless appeal that is treasured by connoisseurs worldwide. Delight in the distinguished taste of this limited-edition wine, an illustrious testament to the Scarzello family's wine-making legacy.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2010 Barolo Riserva Monprivato Cà d'Morissio is one of the defining wines of this iconic vintage. This important wine was not made in 2009 or 2011. There will be releases in 2012 and 2013. However, the Mascarello family is not yet sure about 2014. If they do release the wine in that vintage, bottle production will be very small. Generally speaking, 4,000 bottles is the normal production target. This wine should be released more or less as this report is published in late spring 2018. There is a lot to say here, starting with the bouquet that is precisely defined and layered. You get tones of forest fruit, crushed mineral, wild sage and balsam herb. There are renderings of iodine, anise seed and licorice as well. What stands out most is the wine's seamless integration. The tannins are firm and dry, with just enough latitude to offer future development. This wine ages in bottle for two and a half years before its commercial release. It should not be touched for at least 5 more years, or preferably more.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2010 Gloria has a very attractive and quite intense bouquet with a surfeit of blackberry and wild strawberry scents, cedar and light seaweed coming through with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with supple but firm tannins framing the pure blackberry and bilberry fruit, laced with black pepper and clove. Very complex, very focused and very precise on the finish, this is an outstanding 2010 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Vinous - Neal Martin (97)

Two bottles of the 2010 Grand Puy-Lacoste were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation. The second has an attractive minty bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with subtle marine/seaweed notes, a touch of graphite developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive tension and wonderful freshness right from the start. There is a sense of coiled up energy here and the finish just leaves you breathless. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Vinous - Neal Martin (97)

Two bottles of the 2010 Grand Puy-Lacoste were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation. The second has an attractive minty bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with subtle marine/seaweed notes, a touch of graphite developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive tension and wonderful freshness right from the start. There is a sense of coiled up energy here and the finish just leaves you breathless. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.

Intricately crafted in the renowned winemaking region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, the Gravner Josko Ribolla Gialla 2010 is an exquisite reflection of terroir-driven elegance. This distinctive white wine, product of the visionary Joško Gravner, is revered for its complex, yet harmonious, blend of power and refinement. Truly a testament to the purity and integrity of this indigenous grape variety.

Gravner's traditional and bold approach towards wine-making stands out. The Ribolla Gialla 2010 is meticulously fermented in Georgian qvevri, bringing an earthy structure to the vivacious citrus and stone fruit notes. Each bottle undergoes extended maceration and maturation, unveiling a rich, deep hue and superbly integrated tannins. Following Gravner's biodynamic principles, no chemical additives are used, empowering the natural elements to shape the wine's character.

Investing in a bottle of Gravner Josko Ribolla Gialla 2010 ensures an experience of exalting depth and transcendent longevity, encompassing the finest aspects of artisanal Italian viticulture.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

94-96 A solid, chunky wine. It has powerful dry tannins, although they are never dominant, leaving the sweet fruit to shine. Blackberry flavors and the dark core are becoming well integrated.

Wine Advocate (99)

More closed than when I tasted it earlier this year, the 2010 Cote Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis is an incredible effort that’s made from 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier. Coming from the estate’s top sites and aged 38 months in new oak, it has no problem standing beside the top three single-vineyard releases. Crème de cassis, vanilla bean, smoked meats and licorice all flow to a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, structured Cote Rotie that needs another 5-6 years of bottle age, but will keep for 2-3 decades.

Wine Advocate (100)

A wine that's certainly not for those seeking instant gratification, the 2010 Cote Rotie la Landonne is a powerhouse Cote Rotie that offers up deep, masculine notes of crushed rocks, smoked meats, game, espresso and assorted dark cassis and currant-like fruit. Full-bodied, tight, structured and backward, with fabulous mid-palate density and length, it needs to be forgotten in the cellar for a decade, but will have 40-50 years of overall longevity.

Wine Advocate (100)

As to three single parcel releases, I reviewed the 2010 Cote Rotie La Mouline earlier this year, but was more than happy to taste it again (lucky me) for this report. Incorporating a full 11% of Viognier and coming from the steep, terraced vines in the Cote Blonde lieu-dit, it sports a heavenly bouquet of spring flowers, incense, violets, cured meats and sweet cassis. Full-bodied, voluptuous and as seamless as they come, Syrah just doesn’t get any more alluring, sexy or impressive. Give it 5-6 years and drink bottles over the following 2 decades or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

As with the 2009, the 2010 Côte Rôtie La Turque represents the pinnacle of red wine and, in this reviewer’s opinion, couldn’t be any better. A dense purple color is followed by a powerful, masculine wine that has textbook ripe blackberry and cassis fruits interwoven with gorgeous floral, gamey, bloody, and exotic aromas and flavors. It’s concentrated, full-bodied, and multi-dimensional on the palate, with sweet, polished tannins, and a massive finish. It’s just now at the early stages of its drink window and have another 30 years of prime drinking ahead!

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2010 Hermitage Ex Voto continues to top out on my scale. This extraordinary Hermitage has more minerality and delineation than the 2009, as well as overflowing aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, jammy blackberries, violets, graphite and wood smoke. Massively concentrated, full-bodied, decadent, layered and sexy, it needs short-term cellaring but should be just about immortal in the cellar.

Decanter (100)

As ever when tasting the two together, the striking thing is the difference in character rather than quality between 2009 and 2010. This is tighter, more structured in its concentration, more broad shouldered, but still intensely impressive and full of pleasure. Neither are ready to go yet, but this feels like it will last longer, and feels extremely Haut-Bailly in spirit, with an elegant but complex personality, and a grip that doesn't make a big deal of its power but refuses to give up. Blackberry, bilberry, black chocolate and pencil. Harvest September 22 to October 14.

Wine Advocate (91)

The 2010 La Parde de Haut-Bailly is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. I prefer the nose on the 2010 compared to the 2005 since it conveys more detail and precision: blackberry, raspberry, cedar with just a touch of fresh fig lending more personality than the 2005. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy textured entry. There is a strong graphite element to this La Parde de Haut-Bailly, the acidity well judged with a gentle grip in the mouth, mainly black fruit with an intense finish. I admire the persistence of this Deuxième Vin and the unbridled freshness. Given the price, I bet this is one of the killer purchases if you can find some. Tasted March 2017.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Pure perfection and one of truly legendary wines out there, the 2010 is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc that hit a whopping 14.6% natural alcohol, with a healthy pH of 3.7. This deep rich, opulent beauty is just now at the early stages of its prime drink window and has an incredible array of blackcurrants, chocolate, truffly earth, graphite, and hints of tobacco. A massive wine in every sense, it still somehow stays weightless and graceful, with silky, building tannins, flawless balance, and just everything in the right place. It needs an hour or two in a decanter if drinking any time soon, and it's going to have upwards of 75-100 years of ultimate longevity.

Vinous (92+)

Medium red. Explosive aromas of red berries, licorice, chocolate and underbrush. Not particularly fleshy but juicy and sharply delineated, with terrific cut to the tangy dark berry and spice flavors. Given its firm spine of acids and tannins, this Volnay also boasts lovely charm and delicacy. Finishes very long and perfumed. (Incidentally, Boillot believes that his 2010s will remain open, but I'd still give this wine at least five or six years in the cellar, as it's likely to put on weight in bottle.)

Vinous (94+)

Good full red. Redcurrant and spices on the nose, with hints of smoke, game and tobacco. A step up in intensity and concentration from the Chevrets, with enticing sweetness leavened by medicinal reserve. Beautifully balanced wine with a firm spine of building tannins and the fresh acidity to ensure a long life in bottle. Very long on the aftertaste.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-95)

Bright ruby-red. Knockout nose combines dark fruits, minerals, bitter chocolate and underbrush. Offers superb density and thickness without excess weight, with the wine's substantial baby fat given shape by building minerality. Intense black fruit flavors stain the palate on the very long, strong finish, which features noble, fine-grained tannins.

The Wine Independent (98)

Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2010 Hosanna storms out with earthy notes of crushed rocks, tar, and truffles, leading to a core of black cherry compote and plum preserves with hints of star anise and tobacco leaf. The medium-bodied palate delivers loads of savory and mineral layers and ripe, rounded tannins, finishing with great length and precision.