The 2010 Nuits St. Georges Clos de la Marechale Blanc shows off fabulous balance and cool, insistent minerality. It boasts tremendous energy in its chiseled notes of lemon, crushed rocks and white flowers. The aromas, flavors and minerality are pure Chardonnay but there is a breadth to the wine that is unique and may be related to the fact that the Clos de la Marechale Blanc is made from Chardonnay grafted onto Pinot Noir rootstock. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Leave it to Frederic Mugnier to take a contrarian view of the 2010 vintage. Mugnier is quite clear in espousing his opinion that not only is 2009 a better vintage than 2010, but that the 2009s will be longer-lived as well. His advice to me was to drink the 2010s now and cellar the 2009s. Mugnier’s highly personal take is also reflected in the unconventional order in which these wines were tasted. I have to say, it was quite eye-opening to taste the wines in a different sequence than is the norm, as it keeps the palate and intellect sharp. The harvest started on September 22. As has been the case for a while, the focus is on doing as little as possible to the wines once they are in cellar, which among other things means that new oak is now practically non-existent here. Readers who want to learn more might want to take a look at my interview with Frederic Mugnier posted on our website. A Becky Wasserman Selection, Le Serbet, various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Veritas Imports, Beverly Hills, CA; tel. (310) 205-3803; Toepfer Imports LLC, CO; tel. (303) 818-7640