GRAND PUY LACOSTE 2010

(83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% merlot; 13.6% alcohol) Saturated ruby. Very-ripe-verging-on-overripe nose dominated by strawberry liqueur, black fruits and faded flowers. Creamy and sweet but with very good acidity giving shape to the middle palate, this shows distinct hints of surmaturite to its sweet, creamy red and black fruit flavors. Finishes with mounting, slightly dry tannins, but there's so much fruit here that I'm confident that time in bottle will bring more volume and flesh.

Intense hazelnuts and blackberries on the nose follow through to a full to medium body, with chocolate and berry flavors and firm tannins. Not giving away a lot at the finish at the moment. Reserved and sophisticated. But structured and chewy.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a little subdued to begin, opening out to reveal notes of black cherries, stewed plums and blackberry preserves with hints of bouquet garni, tapenade and dried lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm, chewy texture and lively acidity, slightly over-shadowing the delicate, fading fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note. (LPB)