With more than 7,000 chateaux, France’s Bordeaux region is the most important wine producing region in the world. As well as being the basis for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based wines everywhere, Bordeaux wines are acknowledged to be among the world’s best reds—according to experts and amateurs alike.
The wine region of Bordeaux is comprised of many smaller areas and encompasses both banks of the Gironde estuary in southwest France, as well as the land bordering the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, which split off from the Gironde in the southern Medoc area. Generally, Bordeaux's best red wines are from seven major (and well-known) appellations: Pauillac, Saint-Estephe, Saint-Julien, and Margaux in the greater Medoc region, Graves to the south of the city of Bordeaux—in the region’s center, and Saint-Emilion and Pomerol toward the east. The large Graves region, as well as being the birthplace of claret, is home to many of the best dry whites. Premium sweet wines are made in Sauternes and Barsac, which are also within the Graves appellation but toward the south.
In understanding the multitude of Bordeaux wines, experts tend to talk about the right and left banks of the Gironde River. Generally, red wines from the river’s left bank, especially from Bordeaux’s Medoc region, are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, mixed with varying amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and, occasionally, a spot of Petit Verdot and Malbec. These reds are known to be firm and dry, with a substantial tannic spine, and are frequently austere in their youth. They are also among the world’s longest-lived. The Graves’ gravel and sand soil content contribute to more texture early and roasted accents of hot stones, smoke and tobacco.
The softer Merlot grape is the foundation for right bank wines, mostly to the town of Libourne’s eastern side. These wines are fleshier in general than wines from the left bank and are more pliant. They are also accessible at an earlier age—though the best of them can improve in bottle for decades.
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: A firm and linear red with currant, blackberry and stone aromas and flavors. Full yet closed and tight. Acidity drives this one. Third wine of Paulliac. Serious. Needs two or three years to come together.
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: (JS 98-99 points) A very powerful and structured Cos. It’s full and layered, but not overpowering in terms of fruit. It’s more about the abundant, very fine tannins. It’s a classic wine with historical grip and power...
Wine Enthusiast, 100 points: A voluptuous wine, this is rich and fruity yet properly balanced by a magnificent structure. Pure, crisp and packed with a black currant flavor, this will be a remarkable wine as it develops. Still young, it needs many...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: (93–95 points) Barrel Sample. This is a perfumed wine, likely thanks to a dollop (7%) of Cabernet Franc. It has ripe fruit characters, pleasant richness and a firm structure. ROGER VOSS
Vinous, 96 points: The 2014 Pavie-Macquin is superb. Deep, powerful and creamy, the 2014 possesses tremendous richness from start to finish. Today, the 2014 appears to be going through a period of transition, as the aromatics are not...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: Solid tannins mark this still very young wine. At the same time, the fruit is rich and well proportioned. Black currants dominate the fruity spectrum, giving the wine richness as well as great potential. Drink from 2025...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (93 - 95)Blended of 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Mangot is a little closed to begin, unfurling to show off bright blackberry, crushed blueberries and warm...
Vinous, 92 points: The 2014 Les Cruzelles has a simple bouquet, tertiary in style, woodland scents intermixed and perhaps dominating the fruit underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin, chewy in the mouth at first although it...
Vinous, 97 points: An utterly spellbinding wine, the 2014 Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse is also one of the unqualified successes of the vintage. Beams of tannin give the 2014 its ample, broad feel. Inky red cherry, blueberry...
Vinous, 98 points: (98+ points) The 2017 Troplong Mondot is stunning, just as it was en primeur. Rich and ample, yet endowed with striking energy as well, the 2017 is the first vintage made by new CEO Aymeric de Gironde and consulting...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 99 points: (WA 97-99+ points) The 2019 Léoville Las Cases is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot. Harvest began early for the Merlot, on the 18th of September, and the Cabernets were picked in...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Sansonnet needs some coaxing to reveal notions of warm blueberries, plum preserves and boysenberries followed by Chinese five spice, licorice, fertile loam and charcuterie...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Very ripe blueberries here, married to delicate, smoky-oak and baking-spice character. Concentrated and succulent with a wonderful, mineral freshness at the long, energetic finish. A very flexible food-wine. Drink or hold.
Vinous, 97 points: (VN 95-97 points) The 2019 Grand Puy Lacoste is deep purple in colour. Initially the bouquet is tight and so I left my sample for 15-20 minutes to open. It rewards patience with a beguiling mélange of pure blackberry...
Showing 15 of 737 wines
Dear Customer We are having problems processing your request. Please contact our sales office between 9 AM and 5 PM (PST) for further assistance at 1.888.859.4637.
I can’t say enough positive things about JJ Buckley. It’s exponentially increased my enjoyment of fine wines. The selections, pricing and shipment/storage options are the best shopping experience I have found. Add to it my personal one-on-one contact and I could not be happier.
-Scott D., July 2020