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, 96 points: (96+ points) Emerging from the talents of Marie Lefévère (of Château Sansonnet and Château Moulin du Cadet), the 2018 Château Soutard-Cadet clocks in at 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels. Its...
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jamessuckling.com, 99 points: (98-99) This is very linear and structured in a classical way for Bordeaux with a very focused and tight core of beautiful fruit that gives an agile and vivid palate of pretty fruit and bright acidity, not to mention the...
jebdunnuck.com, 100 points: A full-bodied powerhouse as well as a perfect wine, the 2018 Château Montrose is a final blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. Boasting a deep purple hue...
jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: This estate is in a cool, limestone terroir on the eastern side of Saint- Emilion, and it's been firing on all cylinders over the past decade, in no small part due to the talented director, David Suire. The 2018 Château...
Decanter, 98 points: This is just so good. Not overly big, it has nuance, sapidity and grace, with space between the lines. It's not sacrificing its concentration but it gives you a chance to get onboard and accompany it along the way. I love...
Vinous, 94 points: (91-94 points) The 2018 Vieux Maillet is a powerful, dense Pomerol endowed with striking depth. Crème de cassis, chocolate, sweet spice and new leather are pushed to the foreground. Despite its considerable richness and...
Wine Enthusiast, 100 points: This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: (93–95) Barrel Sample. A dense, black wine with dark tannins, this is a powerful example of ripe Merlot. Its concentration and firmness will allow the wine to age well.
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: (93-95 points) From the stable of Stephan von Neipperg, the 2018 Clos De L'Oratoire is a ripe, sexy blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc aging in 45% new oak, that offers an upfront bouquet of blueberries, violets...
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: Ripe black fruit, clove, licorice, pine and walnut husk on the nose. Bitter chocolate and coffee, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Muscular and very formed. Energetic and precise with long, chewy layers and...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: (92-93 points) A little closed now, but shows very pretty fresh-fruit character of blackberries and black cherries that follow through to a medium to full body, polished and fine tannins and a bright finish. Purity of fruit.
Vinous, 94 points: The 2018 Fonbadet is superb. Classically elegant and refined, the 2018 graces the palate with exquisite finesse right out of the gate. Red berry, floral, blood orange and minty flavors convey freshness as the 2018 opens...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Blackberry and blueberry aromas with black licorice and dark violets that follow to a medium to full body with ultra fine tannins and a pretty finish. Very fine texture. Drink after 2024.
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 94 points: Flowers, wild cherries, licorice, crushed stone and truffle aromatics create the nose. On the palate, the wine is supple, sensuous, fresh and loaded with licorice coated, red plums and juicy cherries with dark chocolate...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: A wine with wonderful clarity of fruit and firm, creamy and polished tannins. So intense and powerful. Layers of fruit and tannins intertwined. Lovely blackberry, black cherry, cedar and sandalwood. Mushroom and bark...
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