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, 93 points: Very attractive honeycomb and lemon-peel nose of some complexity, then there’s a stunning balance of racy acidity and delicate candied lemon fruit on the palate. The finish is very long, clean and intense. Great now but...
jebdunnuck.com, 99 points: The white of the vintage is the 2016 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, which comes from a high-density planting of 30-year-old vines located west and south of the town of Léognan. A blend of 75% Sauvignon and 25% Sémillon...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: A sensational blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon with nearly 14% natural alcohol this superb honeyed effort exhibits orange marmalade lemon custard and exotic tropical fruit notes.
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, 91 points: A dense and creamy white showing lots of apple pie cream and honey. Full body with masses of new wood but I like the character. Dried pineapple and apple too. Vanilla aftertaste. Drink now or hold.
jamessuckling.com, 99 points: (98-99) This is a cylinder of dense fruit and phenolic intensity, yet it remains agile and vivid with cooked-apple, honey and cream character, compounding the fantastic texture and structure. A great white with the same...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: This is very linear and direct on the palate, showing great potential and length. Full body with mango and dried-lemon character and a long, flavorful finish. Shows intent and seriousness. Tight and structured. Better...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 points: (WA89-91 points) The La Demoiselle de Sigalas 2014 is the dry white Sémillon (95%) and Sauvignon Blanc (5%) blend from Château Sigalas-Rabaud in Sauternes. It has a very well-defined bouquet with green apple, white peach...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: I loved both these wines, which come from the team at Château Lafleur. Starting with the white, the 2016 Château Grand Village Blanc (two-thirds Sauvignon and one-third Sémillon) is a glorious white that has racy...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 91 points: The 2016 Clémentin de Pape Clement Blanc reveals suggestions of fresh hay, dried persimmons, pineapple and wild thyme plus a waft of oyster shell. Medium-bodied, crisp and clean, with compelling saline notions, it...
Vinous, 94 points: (91-94) Bright gold-tinged straw-yellow. Spicy, perfumed aromas of violet and ginger, with hints of lime, peach and butter. Densely packed, nicely ripe flavors of tangerine, white peach and butter are lifted by sound...
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