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, 90 points: A firm and silky red with currant, plum and berry character. Medium body, fresh finish. Stone and dark fruit. Drink now.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: This estate is owned by the brilliant Michel Gracia, so it’s a shame so little of this wine was produced, but the vineyard itself is microscopic. Approximately three acres are planted on sandy and clay-like soils with a...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This wine is so rich, with generous black plum and berry fruits. It has a structure that is full, ripe and that will sustain the fruitiness of the wine over many years. The sensation is of velvet, with some force...
Wine Spectator, 96 points: Unctuous and ripe, with mouthfilling almond cream, ginger, heather honey and apricot flavors, this will need time to unwind fully, but when it does, expect more pineapple, maple and singed orange notes, as this has some...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 92 points: (AG89-92 points) The 2013 Fleur Cardinale is a huge wine. Blood orange, pomegranate, white pepper and bright red cherries all explode from the glass. Unapologetically rich and intense, the 2013 is beautifully layered and...
Wine Spectator, 97 points: Top 100: 2016, Rank: 4. There's loads here, with apricot, nectarine and clementine flavors stitched with a racy orange zest note to give energy, while tropical papaya and mango flavors add a sublimely creamy edge. The...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: (RP92-94 points) Full-bodied and atypically rich and concentrated for a 2013, it boasts beautiful blueberry and creme de cassis fruit as well as underlying chalky minerality, and good richness and concentration. It is a...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Fantastic aromas of papaya, lemon and pear with hints of cream. Full body, very layered and intense. Superb flavors and intensity. Vibrant acidity and freshness. Lasts so long on the palate. One of the wines of the...
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...
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: (WE93-95 points) A rich, complete wine, this has beautiful acidity as well as the most intense botrytis character. It's a wine with long-term aging potential, ripe and already full in the mouth.
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Lots of gunpowder, dried apple and pear aromas and flavors. Full body, dried apple and peach. Searing acidity. Yet bright and delicious. A white with great contrast and panache. Drink or hold.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: Probably the wine of the vintage, once again. Only 9,000 bottles of the 2013 Ausone were produced, as crop size was 50% of normal. However, proprietor Alain Vauthier and his daughter certainly have proven a truly great...
Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: Cellar Selection. With ripe, spicy fruit, this is a concentrated, dense wine. It has young, firm tannins that are beginning to integrate with the juicy black fruits and fine, perfumed acidity. This is a serious wine...
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: (WE96-98 points) The beautifully aromatic, honeyed scent leads into flavors of bitter orange and honey, along with extreme freshness. Notes of white peach and Rocha pear give richness to a wine that is not huge, but...
Showing 15 of 46 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.
JJB is my go-to source for wines. Great selection and great service.
-Ralph O., September 2017
Please, close this tab