Stephen Williams, The Antique Wine Company's en primeur blog, April 6

After two days tasting on the left bank, various conclusions can already be drawn about the 2010 clarets. One is that this is another great Bordeaux vintage in the Medoc.

Another positive characteristic of 2010 is the pronounced acidity and freshness on the Left Bank wines. This was largely due to cool nights, especially in August, which locked in the acidity. The acidity provides a very welcome lift to many wines and counterbalances the tannic structure.

Because of the acidity and tannin on these wines, there is little doubt that 2010 will produce great vins de garde. Wines like Palmer will take 20 years to reach their best but they will repay handsome dividends for those patient enough to cellar these wines over the long term. In the meantime, the 2009s will provide plenty of pleasure for those who want to pull corks sooner rather than later.

However, this vintage is not so straightforward or as homogenous as 2009. It is indeed exceptional in a number of chateaux; but there are disappointments too.

The main criticism is that some wines are over tannic and too extracted. Others are too alcoholic. In contrast, some have erred too far on the side of caution, producing hollow and under-fruited wines.

Careful selection is the order of the day to find the sweet spot in 2010, which certainly exists on the Left Bank at properties such as Lafite, Cos, Palmer and Margaux.

There are varying degrees of alcohol ranging from 13-15%. The most successful wines on the left bank are those with higher proportions of Cabernet and lower proportions of Merlot. However, the best wines have also managed to tame the tannins as well as the alcohol. Unfortunately, some have just lowered down one without the other, leaving the wines too tough and extracted.

Global demand

Global demand is likely to be strong for this vintage - depending, of course, on the price at which the wines are released by the chateau. Certainly, there is a considerable Far Eastern presence this week. Also, American accents have been noticed in greater numbers. Naturally, traditional markets are also here in force.

Price is key. My feeling is that the 2010 will be released at the same high prices as 2009. Firstly because the quality is once again outstanding - albeit different from 2009. The production is down from last year and demand is likely to be strong. So the Bordelais will see no reason to drop their prices.

Equally though, my view is that they won't dare to raise them while the economic recovery remains fragile. This caveat will only apply to those properties whose wines are successful and have been well received by press and critics.

Top six left bank wines of the 2010 so far:
Chateau Lafite
Chateau Palmer
Chateau Cos d'Estournel
Chateau Petit-Village
Carruades de Lafite
Le Petit Mouton

You can read The Antique Company's managing director, Stephen Williams' daily en primeur blog reports at: http://www.antique-wine.com/blog/default.aspx

• Harpers Says...