Chateau Deyrem Valentin 2010, Soussans, Margaux
If you are looking for a value Margaux with a bouquet, finesse and cost performance, Chateau Deyrem Valentin 2010 is the one. While Decanter Magazine says of Deyrem-Valentin 2010 as "First-growth quality, first-rate value." may be an overstatement, a 2010 Margaux CB at this cost level is indeed not easy to come by these days.
So we have here straight from the bottle classic Margaux tones of black currant, blackberries, blueberry, raisin, plum and hint liquorice. The palate reflects the nose with a hint of leather that comes through with scents of tobacc, firm and fine tannins; and a peppery, medium finish. Being a fine Marsac in the commune of Soussans, it may be too elegant to some; yet 2010 as solid vintage helps the texture, body and strength(abv 14.5%, 15 months oak) so there are still lots of ageing potential here. It is just fine with complexity for the class with the blending of four gapes in the composition of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere; intensity from 30 years old vines on gravelly soil. This left bank Bordeaux wine estate, nestled between Two Grand Cru classes Lascombes and Malescote St Exupery, as well as the two Labegorces.
Only 13 hectares, so the economy of scale is not ideal. Let's give them some support.
Scores are reasonably good: WE92, Decanter 88, WA89.