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.
Wine Spectator, 93 points: This is tightly coiled now, but the range of juicy tangerine, white peach and white ginger notes should unfurl soon enough, carried by a mouthwatering quinine note and ending with a light orange blossom hint on the...
Wine Spectator, 89 points: A plump rounded style with friendly brioche white peach and floral notes offset by a hint of melon rind that keeps the finish balanced. Drink now. 500 cases made. -JM
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Instantly impressive nose with pristine lemons and limes as well as subtly flinty, reductive notes. The palate has power and direction, not to mention impressive yeast lees influence and perfectly integrated oak. Power...
*Price does not include tariffs. See our Terms & Conditions of Sale.
jebdunnuck.com, 98 points: Among the whites of the vintage, the 2016 Château Pape Clément Blanc is one of the most concentrated, deep, and full-bodied whites out there, offering up a red wine-like structure to go with beautiful notes of white...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: This is a phenomenal white with super density and energy. Full body, yet incredibly agile and intense. Fabulous character of salt, mineral and shells. Hints of tannin too. Dried white peach. Pear and apple. Super subtle...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Really fresh and tangy with beautiful crushed-berry and spice character and just a hint of stone. Fresh and beautiful. No wood. Some amphora. A blend of 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc. Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: A tightly coiled rich wine that has great acidity as well as a lively structure. Touched by spice from wood aging as well as intense citrus, it is fruity, firm and strongly textured. Drink this impressive still-young wine...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Fascinating dry white with lavender, lemon-rind and sliced-apple character. Full, very dry and mineral, with chalk and fruit character. Solid and structured. Needs at least four or five years to soften, but what a white...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Complex aromas of sliced apples, honey, pineapple and honeysuckle with hints of stones. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a beautiful finish. Intense and powerful. A combination of density and power. What a great...
jebdunnuck.com, 97 points: The 2017 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc showed spectacularly well and is one of the wines (if not the wine) of the vintage. Based on 55% Sauvignon and 45% Semillon aged 14 months in barrel, it offers powerful notes of honeyed...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: Rated - No tasting note given.
jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Rocking stuff, the truly brilliant 2012 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc offers fabulous notes of caramelized citrus, lemon curd and honeysuckle in a laser-focused, tight, gorgeously textured package. This beauty represents a...
Showing 15 of 18 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.
...Mostly, I like the selections of the wines you bring in and appreciate your endless efforts to bring always something new, better and smaller producers with great quality for prices. I feel like I have a true personal wine buyer! ... Always excited to get my next shipment - please keep up the good work!
-Natalie R., June 2019