Incense, cedar, blackcurrants, vanilla, rose and exotic sweet spices. Focused and forward, but compact and tight. Crushed-silk tannins give good support but do cover the lighter-fruit aspects and the acidity, making this quite a serious take on the vintage without much fruit presence. Refined and elegant. Texture and weight are lovely, it's just missing some life, but is well worked. (Drink between 2024-2036)

With the 2009 and 2010 vintages, Rauzan-Gassies has hit its stride after many years of disappointments. This 2010 is powerful, fruity, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon's black currant flavor. There is a touch of barnyard at the end, but this is likely a passing phase. — Roger Voss

The 2010 is a very strong effort from this estate, which is situated next to the other, better-known Rauzan, Rauzan Segla. Dense purple, its sweet notes of underbrush, forest floor, licorice, black currants and a hint of lead pencil shavings are followed by a lush, ripe, surprisingly fleshy and succulent wine that is much more evolved and forward at this stage than when tasted from barrel. I thought this wine would need more cellar time, but it is actually approachable in spite of its size, richness and density. Give it several years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years. - RP