Bordeaux 2010 tipped to rival 2009

As the Bordeaux harvest for 2010 enters its final phases, hopes of an exceptional vintage are growing.

Frédéric Bonnaffous, head winemaker in Médoc and St Emilion at Vins & Vignobles Dourthe claimed that the “potential is unquestionable”.
 
He added: “The quality of the 2010 vintage is at least on a par with 2009. We have successfully managed water shortages by adapting strict vineyard practices at our properties to take into account the individual soil types and leaf surface area. Merlot volumes are down as a result of coulure and small berries.”

The harvest report called attention to the high concentrations of colour and tannins in the Merlot, which were apparently superior to 2005 and 2009.

The pH levels are also lower than in 2009 with good levels of tartaric acid. The Cabernets and Petit Verdot were also showing “lots of concentration and intense aromas”.

Consultant Stéphane Toutoundji posted on his blog that the crop he had seen brought in was “really excellent”.

“The smell of crushed blackberries is the reward for all the care and patience over the year,” he added. “The juice is magnificent and certain properties will make even better wine than they did in 2009.”

The reaction seems to dispel the pre-harvest fears that summer had been too hot and that water-stress and 2003 levels of alcohol and ripeness would lead to an unbalanced year.

Rupert Millar, 14.10.2010