Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Fresh bottle, just opened. Pop & pour.

I have 09 & 10 of this second wine of Pichon Longueville. I just haven’t considering opening one yet.

As 2010 is a big vintage, I choice to pair this with the cheeseboard but writing notes before digging in. Something to soften the tannins of what I consider to be a brawny vintage that needs time. Cheese pairing is often chosen to pair with young, big reds as it coats the palate and softens the impact of big, brawny tannins.

This is quite nice, showing the quality of the vintage, yet being a second wine, you can open one now for what otherwise is a long age vintage for first wines.

The nose is somewhat expressive & inviting. Dark core of black currants, blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, black cherries, some poached strawberries, hues of purple & blue fruits, anise, charcoal notes, anise, understated black licorice, French roast coffee beans, dark toast, steeped black tea, candied to withering dark flowers with candied violets.

The palate is clean with strangely not a ton of astringency. M+ dry, powdery tannins Ripe & juicy; black currants, blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, black cherries, some poached strawberries, raspberry overtones and hues of purple & blue fruits. Anise, charcoal notes, sweet tarriness, anise, understated black licorice, French espresso roast, dark toast, steeped black tea, oak barrel shavings & powder, dry twigs/leaves, leather, dry tobacco, lead pencil, dry herbs, dark earth, dry top soil, nice dark spice, caramel, dark & milk chocolate, mocha powder, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dry stone, withering dark flowers, red roses with slightly candied violets, excellent acidity, it’s balanced but will be better balanced w/ age, structure & tension show the brawn of the vintage, it’s getting to an elegant and polished finish that lasts two-minutes and falls on dry earth, oak and spice.

Showed some tiny, velvety sediment at finish.

This drinks now but I would wait another 3-5 yrs to open and will age nicely for another 10-15 yrs.

Definitely worth picking up if you find Pichon Longueville outside your price point. 92-93. Rounding up today from 91.6.

Cheeseboard is bourique cheeses, served with crackers and accompaniments including grapes, churney, honey, dried fruits and nuts

@EK225 — 6 days ago

James K

9.3

Impressed this held up for so long. Has zero hope or expectations when our neighbor brought it over. — 3 months ago

Renato Grandmont

9.2

Very well balanced — 3 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Deep opaque core, thin ruby rim. Deep slightly spicy creme de cassis , blackberry , charcoal embers , grafite . On the palate this is quite intense but has good freshness , and ripe but firm , quite dry tannins . Creme de cassis , blackberry , grafite , crushed rocks , quite saline and fresh in style , oyster shell and sea breeze hints . Well balanced alcohol and good length grafite , saline tinged finish . This is actually quite enjoyable , though obviously way too young , fresh and detailed with cool fresh dark fruit and grafite nuance. Better in 10 years and will last well a further 10-15 maybe more . Really enjoyed the style and balance of this . — 16 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Blason d’Issan – Margaux 2010
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Second wine of Château d’Issan (a 3rd Growth Grand Cru Classé), this Margaux reflects the finesse and elegance of its prestigious sibling at a more approachable level. The 2010 vintage is composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot, delivering structure, freshness, and the signature grace of the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark red fruits, cassis, and plum supported by notes of cedar, graphite, and dried violets. Subtle earthy undertones round out the bouquet.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with silky tannins, still carrying freshness and vibrancy. The fruit remains integrated with a polished balance, showing that the wine has aged beautifully without losing Margaux’s hallmark delicacy.

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted lamb, duck breast, or a classic beef tenderloin. Its elegance also pairs nicely with mushroom risotto or aged Comté.

The Verdict
A graceful, approachable Bordeaux that demonstrates how even the second labels from Margaux can age impressively. Still drinking beautifully today, with finesse and balance that embody the spirit of Margaux.

Personal Pick Highlight
One of my favorite “second labels” from Bordeaux — proof that patience rewards, as this bottle aged with remarkable elegance and still charms after more than a decade. Also, the 2010 vintage, a benchmark year in Bordeaux, lends added structure and longevity. Cheers! — a month ago

Galen Hasler

9.0

Jammy red fruits,balanced acidity, beautiful — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Dark Ruby color with aromas of berry fruit with earthy spice tones. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors with pepper spice, tobacco and cacao on fine dusty tannins. Medium+ finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with fruit and an oak mineral character. — a month ago

Rufus King

9.4

Delightful Margaux with light cherry notes and and fine tannin, Bloom Brasserie, Dublin — 18 days ago

Jan A

9.3

All time favorite! Huge qpr crusher — 2 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

8.9

Deep ruby color. Aromas of fig, blackberry, graphite and herbs. Plum on the palate, cocoa and licorice. — 3 months ago