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, 98 points: (JD 96-98 points) The flagship white is the 2019 Domaine De Chevalier Blanc. It offers a richer, more concentrated profile that carries rocking caramelized citrus, mandarin orange, and honeyed flower notes as well as...
Wine Spectator, 90 points: Lovely tangerine, nectarine and peach notes are carried by a fresh honeysuckle accent. There's good zip, though this leans more toward the flattering side of the spectrum. Drink now through 2019. 1,176 cases made. — JM
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
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: (WA 91-93 points) The Ferran 2017 Blanc is a little closed on the nose, with delicate yuzu, lemon zest and green mango notes plus grapefruit and crushed rocks hints. The medium-bodied palate has a lovely saline character...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: (90 - 92) The Ferran 2018 Blanc leaps from the glass with tropical notions of pineapple and green mango with touches of fresh apricots, melon and a waft of wet pebbles. Medium-bodied, the palate has a beautiful satiny...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: (WA 96-98+ points) The blend this year is 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon, fermented in French oak, 50% new, within which it will age for 12 months on lees with batonnage. The Smith Haut Lafitte...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: (JS 96-97 points) Lots of tangy fruit and beautiful depth. It’s full-bodied, yet racy and very, very long. So much salty and sliced-apple character here. Excellent minerality and intensity.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (93 - 95) There was no malolactic fermentation and no Muscadelle this year—both unusual for Aile d’Argent. Composed of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Sémillon (harvested August 30 to September 5), the 2018 Aile d'Argent has...
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 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, 96 points: Rated - No tasting note given.
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