Château d'Issan, Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France 2010

Rich, concentrated, powerful, inky in colour, the darkest of the lineup so far. This is not ready yet, and once again the 10 year rule doesn't quite hold true with the 2010s. There is tension, power, and a bristle of tannins to get through before it really opens up, but already you are struck by the depth to the olive paste, blackberry, hawthorn, liquorice, slate. This will last just as long as the 2005 and maybe longer. Not as enjoyable along the way perhaps, but when it finally opens up it is going to be incredible. Makes you just think hats off to Bordeaux for being able to do this. A yield of 42hl/ha.

Beautifully aromatic and perfumed, rich, concentrated, full of tension and authority while also bright and refreshing on the palate. Velvety texture, with tannins that envelop the mouth, bringing a fullness to the ripe cherry, plum and cassis fruit, with liquorice and earthy edges. Decant at least three hours before serving.

A great Margaux from this classic vintage. Complete, rounded on the palate with great purity of flavour and complex aromas in the glass. Mineral, lead-pencil notes emerge, adding freshness despite the concentration and additional glycerol. Powerful, with a very long finish. An outstanding effort with plenty of potential for further cellaring. Harvested between 27 September and 14 October.

Deep, expressive nose of dark fruits. Full and round, smooth yet filling. Has both weight and a sense of direction, with tannins giving density. Cool, clean fruit provides linearity. Classical, confident and nicely weighted, subtle power from start to finish. Not very layered and a tad dry on the finish, but there's lots to like here.