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.
jebdunnuck.com, 99 points: The 2009 Palmer is unquestionably one of the greatest young Bordeaux I’ve tasted, and it has a rare mix of richness and elegance that’s incredible. Blackcurrants, violets, lead pencil shavings and a touch of minerality...
Vinous, 96 points: The 2009 Larcis-Ducasse displays engaging and complex, slightly earthy aromas on the nose: red fruit mixed with roses and melted tar. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well judged acidity. Velvety and smooth...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: The deep garnet colored 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion absolutely sings of warm red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, liquid licorice, sassafras and espresso with hint of lilacs, pencil shavings and truffles...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cos d'Estournel features a myriad of wonderfully intense notes, including blackcurrant pastilles, redcurrant jelly, kirsch and blueberry compote with hints of rose hip tea, sautéed herbs...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: Hallelujah—what a glorious nose! The deep garnet colored 2009 Montrose features beautiful Black Forest cake, licorice, crème de cassis and warm blueberries scents with hints of charcoal, truffles, tapenade and menthol...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 96 points: The wine is clearly going to sleep now. It is impossible not to enjoy the weight, density, flesh, and opulence, but the nuances are now resting and will sleep for 6-10 years as a guess. Read more...
jamessuckling.com, 100 points: This is what the Medoc is all about. The freshness and delicacy of this wine in combination with its serious concentration and firm core are totally stunning. Time has already worked its magic and this is already...
jebdunnuck.com, 100 points: The greatest wine I’ve ever tasted from this address is the 2009 Léoville Poyferré, which is a step up over both the 2000 and the 2010. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and the balance...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 100 points: Pure lush, sensual sexy textures leave your speechless. Powerful, yet light on its feet, everything is in balance and harmony Layers of opulent, silky, perfectly ripe fruits end with sensations of sweet, black cherries...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 100 points: 5 Spice, smoke, kirsch liqueur, truffle, tobacco, charcoal and floral aromas pop from the glass. On the palate, this deep colored wine is pure, sensuous, silky and rich. Picture each berry wearing a cashmere sweater...
Wine Spectator, 92 points: Dense and ripe, but sleek and tautly framed, with a nice iron edge to the plum sauce, blackberry preserves and tangy red currant fruit flavors. The long finish lets the minerality hang nicely, as the fruit fills in...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: This is a wine that seduces you with its crushed blackberries and hints of dark chocolate that follow through to a full body and ultra-fine tannins with a tangy fresh finish. Solid as a rock. Best ever from here. Try in 2019.
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