2010 vintage rated 99, not that I’m into such sorta things, but still that, and I’ve had really good luck with the Metal de Gold badge on wines. A cheap Haut Medoc clocking in at 15 years brings a bunch of expectations to the forefront, none of which are completely embraced in this review. Somewhat soapy smelling, a bright lack of fruitiness complementing all and heavy decanting fails to bring anything ridiculously brilliant to the forefront. Perhaps we shall see tomorrow. I feel like it’s in a dumb stage, and a couple more bottles of this will be opened in the next decade with anticipatory results. Plentiful air brings rich delecacy to the forefront, but still, an imbalance of ridiculous structure highlights Medoc while grasping at this California palate. Oooohhhh, there I said it: I have a California palate. It’s not *wrong*, but justification for harshness in 2026 brings with it certain groupings of depth. There’s crazy fruit here, lip-smacking acid-wipe notwithstanding. The depth and complexity of cherry and briar are on 11, but OMG the rash abrasiveness of tannin bring visions of 30-year wine to bear. Maybe that’s what we’re here to talk about. Nobody else does. Everything is all gracious fruit-forward early-expectation ladies-who-brunch these days and I’m grasping at exposing deliciousness to the common drinker. This wine does not have it. It is a surly, angst-ridden grouping of flavors requiring patience and understanding. There’s no chocolate, no toasty oak, no 40-day cold soak or maceration, NOTHING which would compel a 96-point rating from suckling or parker or dunnick, there’s just placid garnet steadfastness with acid to burn and berry to elevate.

2010 CHATEAU SAINT AHON Cru Bourgeuis #hautmedoc #bordeaux 14.0