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.
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 96 points: (JL94-96 points) Forest floor, truffle, smoke, licorice and sweet, ripe plum and cherry notes, this wine is sensuous, silky and packed with fresh fruits and crushed rocks that leave you with an elegant sensation of...
jebdunnuck.com, 99 points: A wine that will be a candidate for perfection at maturity, the 2015 Valandraud is a heavenly wine that exhibits a deep, saturated ruby/purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of blackcurrants, cassis, crème...
jebdunnuck.com, 91 points: Mostly Merlot blended with 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Arbalest was brought up 16 months in tank and 30% new oak. It offers a perfumed, gorgeous bouquet of plums, incense, spice and hints of...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: (90-92 points) The 2015 Cuvee Prephylloxerique from Château Clos Saint Emilion Philippe is pure Merlot from vines that obviously predate phylloxera, planted on sand. The nose is clean and pure, quite opulent like the...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: This has a captivating interplay of depth and elegance. On the nose, it has very pure fresh raspberry and red plums set in a smoothly arranged, plush layered bed of ripe tannins that carry long blackberry and mulberry...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Some meaty barrel-derived aromas with attractive spices across graphite and deep plum aromas. The palate has very attractive and appealing dark cherry flavors with plush, velvety tannins. Very long. Try from 2022.
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: Intense red-clay and blackberry aromas with brambleberries and mushrooms, too. Full-bodied, soft and round, yet the tannins pull you in with their power. Pretty depth and intensity. Needs time to mellow.
Wine Spectator, 95 points: A rich, expressive, slightly showy style, with waves of cassis, creamed raspberry and boysenberry fruit racing forth, backed by a polished yet ample structure. The long, licorice- and ganache- framed finish packs on...
jamessuckling.com, 100 points: This is extraordinary. There has never been a wine like this here since the famous 1990 or underrated 1989. Violets, flowers, stones and limestone. Oyster-shell undertones. Full-bodied, muscular and so structured. A...
jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: 93+ Another top-notch Margaux savvy readers should snatch up is the 2015 Château Marojallia. Which comes from a tiny estate owned by Philippe Porcheron, with the wine made by Muriel Andraud and Jean-Luc Thunevin, with...
Antonio Galloni's Vinous, 93 points: The 2015 L'Hermitage Lescours is dark, powerful and inviting. The layers fill out beautifully in this dark, ample Saint-Émilion. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, leather, licorice and spice notes add considerable character...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: This steps into an elite league of Pomerol class and concentration, whilst still exuding freshness and transparency. It is a great vintage for Latour à Pomerol. Smells of pristine lightly spiced blueberries and plums and...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (WA93-95 points) The 2015 Franc-Mayne has a refined and detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry coulis and a touch of cedar emerging from the glass. This is a classy bouquet in the making. The palate is fresh and...
jamessuckling.com, 92 points: A dry, taut and savory style with lemon-pastry aromas and flavors, tangy acidity and a cashew-nut finish. Drink or hold.
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Character of tile, dried chili, dark berries and light bark. Currants, too. Full body yet tight and refined. Focused, linear and fine. Excellent second wine from Peby. Drink or hold.
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