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, 92 points: The 2014 La Dauphine was a bit of a minx when I tasted it out of barrel, some bottles showing overripe character and others much fresher. Therefore, I did not score it and crossed my fingers. Well, I am glad I ignored...
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.
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...
Antonio Galloni's 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, 97 points: A stunning, breathtaking wine, the 2014 Clos Fourtet is without question one of the stars of the vintage. Deep yet also wonderfully nuanced, it exudes energy and transparency. Enticing scents of violet, lavender, mint and...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: A stunning wine for this vintage although it’s still a bit shy on the nose (more spice than fruit showing than now). There’s wet earth, too, but on the palate it’s bursting with ripe yet subtle flavors. Very long and...
jamessuckling.com, 91 points: (90-91 points) A subtle and savory sample with firm tannins, a pretty core of ripe fruit and a long and caressing finish.
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Very aromatic and chalky on the nose with blackberries and blackcurrants. Licorice, too. Full to medium body, savory and chewy tannins, yet this always remains polished with a long and pretty finish. Drink in 2020, but...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Intense blackberry and blueberry aromas as well as mushroom undertones. Violets, too. Sweet tobacco. Full-bodied and layered with polished tannins. Very long and beautiful. Give it two or three years to show what it has...
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.
Antonio Galloni's 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...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: (WA90-92 points) The La Sémillante de Sigalas 2014, the dry white pure Sémillon blend from Château Sigalas-Rabaud, has an attractive beeswax and pear-skin bouquet that is well defined and focused. The palate is fresh and...
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.
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: I love the aromas of blackberries and chocolate with flowers. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Gorgeous red. Drink or hold.
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...
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