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.
Vinous, 96 points: The 2014 Pavie Macquin is just as sensual from bottle as it was from barrel. Silky, gracious and expressive, the 2014 has it all. Black cherry, plum, smoke, mocha and a host of dark-toned flavors all blossom in the glass...
Vinous, 92 points: The 2014 Siran has a fresh nose with mint, fennel and sage infusing the black fruit. It gains delineation with time, that mint note ebbing away. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. There is a pleasant...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is a traditional red with strawberry leaves, lemon rind and wet earth. Very aromatic. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fruity, chocolate and walnut character. Always refined yet powerful. Better in 2022.
Vinous, 94 points: Game, smoke, tobacco, licorice and incense run through the 2014 Feytit Clinet, which exudes depth and intensity. Chocolate, gravel and a host of dark-toned fruits nearly bury the tannins. The 2014 saw five days of cold...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: Aromas reminiscent of dark chocolate as well as dark fruits and dried herbs. Chalky texture framed by polished tannins, subtle fruit and a tannin-driven finish. Needs at least three years to soften. Drink now.
Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: (WE93-95 points) This wine is both fresh and superrich, hailing from deep clay soils in the heart of Pomerol. Dark tannins meld into the ripe plum flavors, giving concentration and a strong sense of restrained power.
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Extremely perfumed with rose aromas that turn to strawberries and citrus. Some stones, too. Full-bodied, yet reserved and ultra-refined. It goes on for minutes. Power with finesse. Try in 2022 but already a joy to taste.
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: A unique red here with so much floral, bark and dark fruit aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Lively acidity. Needs two or three years to resolve the . But should come around...
jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: The 2014 Tertre Roteboeuf is an exuberant, generous, incredibly sexy wine in a vintage they yielded more classic, straightforward efforts. Boasting a deep ruby/plum color as well as a rockin’ bouquet of espresso...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Spellbinding aromas of flowers such as lilacs and honeysuckle with strawberries and blackberries. Full-bodied, super tight and polished with wonderful finesse and length. Seamless, fine tannins give this endless...
Vinous, 95 points: Stunning Cabernet Franc-infused aromatics make a strong first impression in the 2014 Petit Gravet Aîné. Just as remarkable from bottle as it was from barrel, it exudes class and finesse. Cool, bracing notes from the Franc...
Wine Enthusiast, 93 points: Ripe and fruity, the wine is a great success. It has juicy berry fruits that are underpinned by the firm tannins and mineral structure. It is full while also crisp: a wine that is deliciously perfumed. Drink from 2024.
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is real powerful and sexy with a voluptuous style of ripe fruit, mushrooms and wet earth. Leafy. Full and seductive. Better after 2021 but already fantastic.
Vinous, 94 points: One of the real surprises of the vintage, the 2014 Sansonnet has turned out beautifully. Specifically, the firm tannins and notable oakiness have integrated very nicely. A rush of black cherry, plum, chocolate and leather...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: The nose is really glorious with strawberry, wet-earth, blackberry and dark-mushroom character. Full body, a solid core of fruit and beautiful tannins. It’s polished and velvety. Better in 2022 but gorgeous.
Showing 15 of 42 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 has fine wines at competitive prices with excellent customer service. I particularly enjoy communicating directly with Jackson Corning about certain purchases. Very personal and super knowledgeable.
-Thomas M., November 2018
Please, close this tab