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.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (WA 93-95 points) The 2016 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot matured in 60% new oak. The harvest was between 26 September and 18 October, and it represents 30% of the total...
Wine Spectator, 91 points: Bouncy and lively, with a tasty mix of meringue, peach, mirabelle plum and dried pineapple notes allied to a streamlined feel through the ginger-accented finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2019. 335...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: The Sauvignon Blanc (75% of the blend) was picked quickly from 25-27 August this year, the Sémillon on 3 and 4 September. It has six grams per liter of residual sugar and the pH, a sizzling 3.20. It has an intriguing...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: A unique dry white Bordeaux with a cool, fragrant and vibrant personality. Lots of candied citrus and pineapple with hints of almonds and finely chopped fresh herbs. Although quite voluptuous and creamy on the palate...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 94 points: A splash of freshness in the glass, the wine pops with loads of just-squeezed grapefruit, lemon peel, vanilla, line, passion fruit, tangerine and honeysuckle. Vibrant and juicy on the palate, all this needs is fresh...
Vinous, 92 points: (90-92) Once again, I was impressed with Louis Mitjavile's Domaine de L'Aurage. Dark, supple and expressive, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Succulent red cherry, red plum, rose petal, mint and sweet spice are all pushed...
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: (92-93) 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, 92 points: The 2014 Acte 6 is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Black cherry, plum, mocha and dark spice notes infuse this striking, pliant wine from the Guinadeau family's Lalande de Pomerol property. This is...
Decanter, 93 points: Straight away on the nose you feel that there is something special going on here. Massal selection from old Cabernet Franc vines has produced an impressively tight wine, the tannins finely structured and plentiful. It...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 points: Tasted at Justerini & Brooks agency tasting in London. The 2010 "G" Acte 2 is turning out to be a wonderful wine. It feels more settled on the nose compared to the "G" Acte 1, perhaps not quite as complex, but with...
Vinous, 90 points: (87-90) The 2013 Acte 5 emerges from a parcel in Fronsac. Dark red stone fruits, wild flowers and spices meld together in a pliant, expressive wine with good potential. Like all of the wines here, the Acte 5 (named for...
Vinous, 94 points: 94+ The 2016 Acte 8 is fabulous. The 2016 literally soars out of the glass with a stunning range of aromatics. Rose petal, blood orange, pomegranate, mint and sweet raspberry are all vivid. Once again, I am totally...
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