Bordeaux 2010 tipped for success

Early indications show that Bordeaux 2010 looks set to be an impressive vintage, according to Berry Bros & Rudd's fine wine director Simon Staples.

"After the hype and chaos that was Bordeaux 2009, it seems quite incredible to think that yet another great vintage may be on our doorstep," Staples said as En Primeur Week gets underway in Bordeaux.

"All the early indications are that this vintage is very special, with perfect flowering, a warm but dry August and beautiful weather at harvest to ensure a crop of perfectly matured and ripe, juicy grapes. 2009 was a great final chapter to what has been the most successful decade Bordeaux has ever seen, but 2010 is looking set to be the start of another one," he added.

On a visit to the region in February, Château Margaux's estate director Philippe Bascuales told Harpers Wine & Spirit the average quality of the 2010s was better than the 2009s. "The difference between the two vintages is the acidity, with the 2010 showing more acidity."

Château Léoville-Las-Cases' laboratory manager Rémy Fulchic added that he has "high hopes" for the 2010, which has "more tannic structure and higher acidity than 2009".