Mature 2010 Claret Mixed Case

This mixed case includes four bottles each of the following wine,

Laroche Bel Air, Côtes-de-Bordeaux 2010
With Right Bank merlot ripening as exquisitely as it had in 2010, it simply had to find a place in todays selection by way of this wonderful petit château, just 20km south-east of Bordeaux town. Indeed, with the first vintage wed imported (2009) we were as impressed by its opulent, silky, merlot-dominant richness as we were unsurprised by its quick sell-out, and so jumped at the opportunity to try the 2010 when offered. We were delighted, then, when greeted by the extra structure and texture 2010 affords, as both serve to enhance what is deliciously ripe cassis fruit, and cedar-spice complexity. Heres a perfectly mature claret with real personality - one we cannot recommend enough.

"...a Merlot-rich, oak-aged blend that begs to be drunk. The nose might be a touch reserved but there is plenty of ripe, luscious fresh and cooked fruit on the palate with hints of vanilla and liquorice on the finish. Delicious!" Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Magazine

Château Ramafort, Cru Bourgeois, Médoc 2010
To have once been owned by Château Lafite means Ramaforts pedigree has been heavily influenced by one of the Haut-Médocs eternally supreme, first-growth estates. With 50% cabernet sauvingon and the other half merlot, its in the glass: deep ruby, smooth, rich, red and black fruit nose - currant, cherry, blue and blackberry - leading to full, weighty, matured layers of more dark fruit, with gorgeously silky, softened tannins thanks to a decent innings in the cellar. Clean in style, beautifully structured, finishing long with subtle notes of mocha and toasty toffee, Ramafort 10 is utterly Médoc. 

"Another stellar vintage [2010], with higher tannin and more freshness than 2009 but comparable intensity. More appealing to classical palates." Jancis Robinson, MW

Château Carcanieux, Médoc 2010
We couldnt believe our luck in finding this little Left Bank gem, as its just the kind of find that delights in both style and everyday drinking affordability. When of such vintage as 2010 then, after 12 years its a seriously enhanced pleasure. Nicely developed, theres still lots for the palate to work with here, partnering ripe, luscious cassis fruit with maturity, adding layers of cedar, and savoury spice. One of the best 2010s we've tasted at this level and clearly of outrageously good value.

"The Carcanieux 2010 has a light, floral bouquet that is well defined. It is pretty and feminine, offering teasing scents of raspberry coulis and redcurrant. The palate is medium bodied with fine tensile tannins. There is great harmony here whilst the finish is cohesive and nicely poised. This is very fine almost Saint Estèphe-like in style." 90 pts., Neal Martin