Decanter World Wine AwardsSaint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés
Recommended wines
Chateau Figeac, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
This is a Figeac with plenty of substance but still elegant and fresh in style. Dense, lively, expressive fruit. Firm but fine tannins. Great length. Drink 2020-2040. (18.5 points)
Chateau Troplong-Mondot, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
A modern beauty. Still has deep colour, power and density but there seems to be more refinement these days. Rich, complex nose with cassis, cacao, spice and menthol notes. Sumptuous texture, balancing acidity and long, firm finish. Drink 2020-2035. (18.5 points)
Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1er Grand Cru Classe (A), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Sublime wine. Fresh, floral, perfumed. More elegant and sensual than the '09. Pure, sumptuous fruit. Refined texture and tannins. Lovely acidity for balance. Seamless. Drink 2020-2050. (20 points)
Chateau Canon, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
I loved the '09 and this is as good if not better. Poised and elegant with great purity of fruit. Dense but long and linear. Beautiful texture and tannins. Drink 2018-2040. (18.5 points)
Chateau Angelus, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
In the same league as the amazing '09 but an even bigger structure here. Tell-tale saturated colour. Busy, complex nose with spice, cacao and violet (45% Cabernet Franc) notes. Ripe, succulent fruit on the palate but not overblown. Lingering freshness behind. Powerful but refined tannins. Long, persistent finish. Drink 2020-2035. (18.5 points)
Chateau Ausone, 1er Grand Cru Classe (A), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
As pure as the '09 but a more emphatic structure. 55% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Fragrant fruit and floral nose. Dense, ripe fruit and an abundance of firm but finely knit tannins. Minerally freshness provides a classical edge. Great length and persistence. Huge ageing potential. Drink 2022-2060. (19.5 points)
Chateau Pavie-Macquin, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Rich, dense and powerful but extremely well balanced. Huge depth of fruit. Striking freshness. Bags of ripe tannin. Great ageing potential. Drink 2020-2040. (18 points)
Chateau Beausejour (Duffau-Lagarrosse), 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Elegant texture and tannins. Gentle, caressing fruit. Harmonious. Follows the progress made in '09. Drink 2018-2035. (17 points)
Chateau Magdelaine, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Sweet, ripe berry fruit nose - open and showy. Supple and round on the palate. A minerally, calcaire nuance on the finish but seems a little heavy and ponderous. Drink 2018-2030. (16.5 points)
Chateau Trottevieille, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Dense, savoury nose with just a hint of oak. Solid attack followed by limestone terroir freshness and firm, muscular tannins. As always a little austere at this stage. Drink 2020-2040. (17 points)
Chateau Monbousquet, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Rich and ripe but not overdone. Good acidity for balance. Tight, firm structure provides ageing potential. Drink 2016-2025. (16.5 points)
Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Another fine effort from this consistent estate. Spicy, lifted aromas and deep colour give it a modern allure. Lovely volume of fruit. Powerful but refined tannins. Persistent. Drink 2018-2040. (17.5 points)
Chateau Pavie, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Bound to court controversy again this year. Some will love it, others hate it. Aromatically pitched closer to the Mediterranean with raisined fruit notes. Rich, thick fruit on the palate. Bold and full but keen acidity for balance. Huge, tight muscular frame. Built for the long haul. Drink 2022-2045. (18 points)
Clos Fourtet, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Outstanding effort. One of the best from this estate. Could be a great buy. Dense, round, perfumed fruit. Lovely texture and weight. Balancing freshness and long, persistent finish. Drink 2018-2040. (18 points)
Chateau Belair-Monange, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Fresh and elegant in style but with an impressive density of fruit. Balanced and well defined. Follows in the footsteps of the excellent '09. As good, perhaps better. Drink 2018-2040. (17.5 points)
Chateau la Gaffeliere, 1er Grand Cru Classe (B), Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Beautifully elegant wine with the extra depth of fruit similar to '09. Fine, long finish with a cool limestone terroir note. Drink 2018-2040. (17.5 points)
Chateau le Prieure, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Lovely fruit extract and freshness. Super purity of fruit. Fine, ripe tannins. Long persistent finish. Perfect expression of the limestone terroir. Drink 2018-2030. (17.5 points)
Chateau Soutard, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
A muscular wine from an all-female winemaking team. Powerful, structured with strong tannins reinforced by the limestone terroir. Freshness on the finish. Perhaps misses a touch of finesse? Drink 2018-2030. (16.5 points)
Chateau Pavie-Decesse, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Another powerful offering from this Gérard Perse estate. Like sister Pavie, a wine of extremes with raisined notes and muscular tannic frame lifted by the freshness of the limestone terroir. Huge ageing potential but not everyone's cup of tea. Drink 2020-2040. (18 points)
Chateau la Couspaude, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Confirmed style: ripe and aromatic with integrated toasty oak. Modern but not extreme. Fresh finish. Drink 2016-2025. (16.5 points)
Chateau la Clotte, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Accent on the fruit. Fragrant cherry-raspberry aromas and flavour. Palate round on attack then long and persistent. Drink 2016-2028. (16.5 points)
Clos des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Full-bodied, opulent with concentrated fruit. Tannins powerful but refined. Long, persistent finish. Drink 2017-2026. (17 points)
Chateau Franc Mayne, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Lovely purity of fruit. Raspberry-cherry fragrance. Palate fresh and harmonious, the limestone terroir adding minerality. A really delightful wine. Drink 2016-2025. (17 points)
Chateau Grand-Mayne, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Solid, full-bodied with concentrated, layered fruit and firm, ripe tannins. Serious and consistent. Drink 2017-2030. (17 points)
Clos Saint-Martin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
This is a powerfully structured wine that will need time in bottle. Cherry aromas mixed with a chalky minerality. Long and persistent but balanced. Drink 2018-2035. (17.5 points)
Chateau Grand-Corbin-Despagne, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
One of the best ever from this estate. Splendid wine with extra depth and purity of fruit. Suave texture and very fine tannins. Drink 2016-2025. (17 points)
Chateau Villemaurine, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Another fine wine from this recently resurrected estate. Rich and dark with added density but still fresh and long. Firm, ripe tannins. The best to date. Drink 2016-2028. (17 points)
Chateau Fleur Cardinale, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Rich, ripe and decadent, this wine just oozes sumptuous fruit. Plum and berry aromas and flavour. Bold, firm tannins. Drink 2017-2028. (17 points)
Chateau Bellefont-Belcier, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Fine, smoky, red berry nose. Palate fresh and harmonious. Good length and persistence. Complete. Drink 2017-2028. (16.5 points)
Chateau la Tour Figeac, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Pure, fresh, aromatic - a natural, zesty feel to the fruit. Nothing forced. Sweet, ripe mid-palate. Firm finish. Harmonious. Drink 2016-2025. (17 points)
Chateau Laroze, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
More structured than the '09 but without exaggeration. The tender side of Laroze still shows. Lovely fruit expression. Good length. Harmonious. Drink 2016-2025. (16.5 points)
Chateau Destieux, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Ripe, rich and concentrated. Generous volume of fruit. Coffee-oak notes of integrated oak. Powerful tannins. Bold, modern style. Drink 2017-2028. (16.5 points)
Chateau Larcis-Ducasse, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Dark, rich and concentrated. Beautiful fruit at the perfect pitch of ripeness. Palate balanced by fresh acidity. Persistent. Harmonious. Drink 2018-2035. (18 points)
Chateau Fonroque, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
The conversion to biodynamics seems to be paying off. Purity of aroma. Rich, round extract with a minerally freshness apparent. More refined structure. Good length. Drink 2017-2028. (16.5 points)
Chateau Bergat, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Fine, fresh and classical with gentle, unforced extraction. Long and linear. Pure, elegant style. Drink 2017-2018. (16.5 points)
Chateau la Tour du Pin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
This property goes from strength to strength under owners Cheval Blanc. Elegant, perfumed, sweet and ripe with beautiful texture and tannins. Fresh acidity behind. Drink 2016-2026. (17 points)
Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Fresh, expressive, a really elegant wine with 45% Cabernet in the blend. Impeccable quality of fruit. Abundant tannins but very refined. Drink 2018-2035. (18 points)
Chateau l'Arrosee, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Another fine effort from this consistent estate. Fresh and floral on the nose with well-integrated oak adding complexity. Long and linear in structure but rich on the mid-palate. Harmonious. Drink 2017-2020. (17.5 points)
Clos de l'Oratoire, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
One of the best from this Stephan von Neipperg cru. Round, full-bodied with velvety texture and tannins. Lovely fruit underpinned by ripe tannins. Drink 2016-2025. (16.5 points)
Chateau Bellevue, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Incredible power and concentration. Possibly shades the '09 in this respect. Saturated blue-black colour. Dense, ripe fruit - essence of red fruit. Rich and concentrated on the palate but with minerally freshness. Firm tannic frame. Will need time. Drink 2020-2035. (17.5 points)
Chateau les Grandes Murailles, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Just on the edge of overripe. Pure and supple but bigger tannic structure than ususal. Drink 2017-2028. (16.5 points)
Chateau la Dominique, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
You have to go back to 1989 to find a vintage as fine as this. Elegant, lifted, crushed berry fruit aroma and flavour. Ripe, precise tannins. Long, fresh, persistent finish. Drink 2018-2035. (17.5 points)
Chateau Chauvin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Medium to full-bodied. Round, fragrant and harmonious. Fine grained tannins and good length. Drink 2015-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Dassault, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Dark colour. Good, juicy fruit extract. Round and ripe but balanced. Firm on the finish. Drink 2015-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Grand-Pontet, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Nicely constructed. Ripe and sweet on the nose and attack but with balancing freshness. Well integrated toasted oak. Long finish. Drink 2016-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Ripeau, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
More fruit weight but the tannins seem a little green. Better in '09. Drink 2015-2022. (14.5 points)
Chateau Larmande, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Expected more this year (after a good '09). Solid fruit but lacks some charm. Extraction pushed? Drink 2015-2025. (15.5 points)
Chateau Haut-Sarpe, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Modern in style and fairly extracted. Coffee-vanilla oak present. Tight, firm tannins. Drink 2016-2025. (15 points)
Chateau Cap de Mourlin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Sweet, ripe and raisined. Perhaps picked a little late? Touch of alcohol. Robust, grainy tannins. Drink 2016-2025. (15 points)
Chateau Fonplegade, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Plenty of ripe fruit but seems a touch more extracted this year. Tannins a little tough. Drink 2015-2025. (15 points)
Chateau La Marzelle, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
One of the best from this property. Medium to full-bodied, fresh, fruity with fine, ripe tannins. Extraction at the right pitch. Drink 2015-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Corbin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Elegant in style with subtle red berry fruit and well integrated toasted oak. Fine tannins but a touch more grip than last year. Drink 2016-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Berliquet, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Medium to full-bodied, supple, round. Berry fruit notes. Grippy tannins. Good but lacks a bit of zip. Drink 2016-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Laniote, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Could be I missed something here but the extraction seemed severe. Tight, dry finish. Drink 2015-2022. (14.5 points)
Chateau la Serre, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Deep colour. Fruit-driven and a touch heady but with a chalky freshness offered by the limestone plateau. Oak apparent but should integrate. Drink 2017-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Moulin du Cadet, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Pure, fresh and natural. Elegant, medium-bodied wine. Biodynamics again taking a hand. Has certainly improved over the last couple of years. Drink 2015-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Laroque, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Cherry, kirsch aroma. Firm, terroir driven palate. Chalky tannins. Solid if a little austere. Drink 2017-2025. (16 points)
Chateau Cadet-Bon, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Less charm and balance than '09. Maturity and extraction seem a little pushed? Drink 2016-2025. (15 points)
Chateau Guadet, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Medium weight. Fresh, fine and linear. Purer fruit expression than in the past. Limestone terroir marked. Drink 2017-2025. (15.5 points)
Chateau Yon-Figeac, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Supple with lifted fruit and freshness. More depth than '09. Drink 2015-2022. (15.5 points)
Chateau Faurie de Souchard, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Full-bodied, generous but a little one-dimensional. Has freshness and a certain length. Drink 2017-2025. (15.5 points)
Chateau Haut-Corbin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Dark, full and savoury on the nose. Palate round and fleshy with good meaty extract. Complete but unexciting. Drink 2016-2025. (15.5 points)
Chateau Saint-Georges Cote Pavie, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Firm, precise. Red berry and mineral notes. Bigger structure than the much improved %u201909. Drink 2016-2028. (16 points)
Chateau Grand Corbin, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Ripe and round with kirsch and plum notes but lacking in zest and finesse. Drink 2015-2025. (15 points)
Couvent des Jacobins, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Medium-bodied with fine, fresh tannins and well integrated oak. Satisfying rather than exciting. Drink 2015-2025. (15.5 points)
Chateau Petit Faurie de Soutard, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Sweet, plummy nose. Robust tannins. Extraction and ripeness a little pushed. Drink 2015-2022. (14.5 points)
Chateau Corbin Michotte, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Resolutely, fresh, forward and 'classical' in style. Medium-bodied with leafy-berry aromas and light, fine tannins. Drink 2014-2020. (15.5 points)
Chateau Cadet-Piola, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Change of style. More modern and less classical. Purple black colour. Richer, riper aroma and flavour. More extraction. Not 100% convinced. Drink 2017-2028. (15.5 points)
Chateau Balestard la Tonnelle, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010
Dark hue. Ripe to overripe nose. Sweet attack then acidity lifted by the limestone terroir. Awkward sort of balance. Drink 2017-2025. (15.5 points)
