Château Bellegrave, Pomerol (Bordeaux, France) 2010

 A review of first-rate Bordeaux from… 2010?  You could wonder whether this review belongs in WRO’s new section on, “Wines from the Cellar” rather than with current releases, but remarkably enough, it is still available at the wholesale level in some markets, including in Washington, D.C., where I live.  No Bordeaux vintage since 2010 has bested it, in my opinion, though 2015 got a lot of attention for very ripe (and expensive) wines that aren’t as complete and complex as the 2010s.  This very fine “Right Bank” wine shows both the full ripeness and intensity of the 2010s but also the striking freshness of the vintage, which make for a wonderful wine that is fully ready to enjoy now, but still capable of another five years of improvement.  Aromas and flavors recall black plums and cherries, with a strong spicy edge and a whiff of smoke, but no un-integrated woody notes.  Pass the prime rib.