Big, typically smoky-spicy Gruaud nose, lots of fleshy fruit, lifted and almost exotic flavours harmonious depth and length, back on top form for the medium-long term. Drink 2018-30. Steven Spurrier, decanter.com
DecanterScore: 18/20
Offers a serious core of kirsch, blackberry and plum sauce notes, with lovely, velvety tannins taking over the pure, violet-tinged finish, which has length and grace. Shows more elegance than most of its peers in this vintage. James Molesworth, winespectator.com
Wine SpectatorScore: 93-96/100
It like the finish on this wine with a blueberry, currant and citrus fruit character on the nose and palate. Full and chewy with ultra-fine tannins and a bright acidity. jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 93-94/100
In 2010 20% less was produced because of the summer drought and the washing away of the pollen by spring rains. The deep mauve magenta gives a reserved and attractive fruity and mineral nose. Flavours of merise, kirsch, plum and mulberry as well as gamey meat, iron oxide and stony minerals underlie a muscular body It will be almost ready to drink in eight years but has the power to develop for three decades or more.
Ivor DaviesScore: 17-18/20
A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, delivering 14 percent alcohol, the Gruaud ’10 has a very intense nose with blackberry, cassis and a touch of oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied with very svelte tannins on the entry, a sumptuous Gruaud Larose that belies that structured underneath seamless towards the finish. This is a Gruaud Larose that is full of character and should age beautifully over 20 years. This may merit a higher score after bottling, hence the plus sign. Tasted April 2011. Neal Martin erobertparker.com
Neal MartinScore: 92-94/100
Dark garnet/plum/purple, with loads of spice, earth, underbrush, red and black currants, licorice, and even a hint of Provencal garrigue, this full-bodied, tannic, masculine style of St.-Julien needs 5-6 years of cellaring, but is full, beefy, rich and impressively endowed. There are plenty of firm tannins in the background of this blockbuster wine, which has been built for the long haul. This is one 2010 where patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. Feb 2013, www.robertparker.com
Robert ParkerScore: 93/100
The deep purple ruby 2010 Gruaud Larose is one of the most densely packed Gruaud Larose vintages I have ever tasted en primeur. On the nose there are aromas of violets, cedar, cassis and mixed red flowers, and on the palate plenty of everything -- luscious fruit, firm velvety tannins, and fresh acidity. The wine is presently very rich and a bit on the chunky side, with a fairly long finish, but it will likely evolve into a supple and very complex wine. asianpalate.com
Jeannie Cho Lee MWScore: 91-93/100
Gruaud Larose With yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare, the property produced a wine blending 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot with the remainder evenly split between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine reached 13.8% alcohol in 2010, which is slightly higher than they achieved in 2009. Ruby colored, with scents of cassis, oak and gravel, this full bodied, brawny, beefy, traditional and tannic wine has some dryness in the finish. winecellarinsider.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar InsiderScore: 91-93/100
Dark polished crimson. Sweet black-cherry aromas. Oddly tarted up for a St-Julien. Just lacks a bit of depth and savour but it is certainly flattering and has applied its make-up very carefully. Awkward amalgam of assorted elements. jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 16/20
Bordeaux / France