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.
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 92 points: Medium/full bodied, focused, refined and needing just a few more years , the cassis is sweet, the texture is polished and the fruit is stained with tobacco leaf. This will be ready to drink in just a few short...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: The purity and clarity to the nose of this wine are really exceptional with crushed berries, cherries and currants. Fruit and density are so impressive, yet this is so linear on the center palate, which gives it direction...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: The nose is really glorious with strawberry, wet-earth, blackberry and dark-mushroom character. Full body, a solid core of fruit and beautiful tannins. It’s polished and velvety. Better in 2022 but gorgeous.
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...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Spellbinding aromas of flowers such as lilacs and honeysuckle with strawberries and blackberries. Full-bodied, super tight and polished with wonderful finesse and length. Seamless, fine tannins give this endless...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: The purity and complexity of fruit on the nose are really exceptional with blackberries, cloves, nutmeg and stones. Flowers, too! Full-bodied, yet bright and reserved with everything compacted in the center palate...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Aromas reminiscent of dark chocolate as well as dark fruits and dried herbs. Chalky texture framed by polished tannins, subtle fruit and a tannin-driven finish. Needs at least three years to soften. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Focused and fruity with lots of flowers and blackberry character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a long and subtle finish. Shows polish and finesse. Better in 2020.
Vinous, 92 points: The 2014 Siran has a fresh nose with mint, fennel and sage infusing the black fruit. It gains delineation with time, that mint note ebbing away. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. There is a pleasant...
Vinous, 94 points: Game, smoke, tobacco, licorice and incense run through the 2014 Feytit Clinet, which exudes depth and intensity. Chocolate, gravel and a host of dark-toned fruits nearly bury the tannins. The 2014 saw five days of cold...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is a traditional red with strawberry leaves, lemon rind and wet earth. Very aromatic. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fruity, chocolate and walnut character. Always refined yet powerful. Better in 2022.
Vinous, 94 points: The 2014 La Marzelle is just as striking from bottle as it was from barrel. The purity and freshness of the red-toned fruit is captivating. Today, the new oak is a bit prominent, while the tannins are present. Both should...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: A tight and alluring red with spice, chocolate and berry character. Full-bodied yet tight and composed. Beautiful length and balance. Give it time to show you what it has. Try in 2020.
Vinous, 94 points: One of the real surprises of the vintage, the 2014 Sansonnet has turned out beautifully. Specifically, the firm tannins and notable oakiness have integrated very nicely. A rush of black cherry, plum, chocolate and leather...
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Good selection of wines. Nice to be able to store and then ship the wine at a convenient time. The ordering was very easy.
-Laurence C., November 2019
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