2010 Bordeaux Post en-Premier vintage report It might have been hard to convince sceptics that Bordeaux was looking at another vintage of the century hard on the heels of 2009, but the 2010 en-primeur tastings proved that this was another exceptional year. Weather conditions were slightly different, mainly because the summer was drier but cooler than 2009 (closer to 2005). Merlot grape, because early June saw cool conditions and some rain just at the moment of the first Merlot flowers.
Sunshine hours in June were 102 compared to 293 in 2009, but the weather cleared to give way to a beautifully dry summer. The sunny August, September and October with cool nights meant that the grapes had plenty of time to ripen slowly and leisurely, while still retaining their complexity and tannic density. White harvest began on early September in Pessac and Graves, with the first Merlots around September. As with 2009, estates were able to choose their picking date at their leisure, and many of the last grapes were brought in late October. Sugar levels (and so alcohol) were high as a result, sometimes higher than in 2009, as were tannins, but the high acidities meant they often showed better balance and freshness than the preceding year.
