The sexy, sensuous, refined shapes of the cement vats capture the essence and elegance of Cheval Blanc. That curvy design is continued through to the unique, underground barrel cellar.

It’s going to be difficult for wine lovers to pick a favorite between the more structured and powerful 2010, versus the exotic, opulent stylings of the sublime 2009. That is going to be a fun duo of Margaux wines to compare over the next several decades.

Starting with 2004, the first vintage produced with the efforts of Thomas Duroux, Palmer has shown a tremendous level of consistency. 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are all superb Bordeaux wines.

The estate continues their interest in bottling wines in screw caps. Screw capped bottles of Chateau Margaux or Pavillon rouge are not commercially available. Aware of the problem that far too many wines are ruined by faulty corks, they have been experimenting with this since 2002.

Located across the street from the picturesque village of St. Emilion, the well managed Bordeaux chateau hit two home runs in a row with their 2009 and 2010 wines. Due to better sensations of freshness, I have a slight preference for the 2010,. But both vintages merit tasting.

While different in style, 2009 Lynch Bages and 2010 Lynch Bages are the first back to back successes for the Pauillac, Bordeaux wine producer since the exalted duo of 1989 and 1990.