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, 100 points: Truffle, flowers, smoke, licorice, wet earth, dark plums and black cherry aromas reach your nose as soon as the wine hits the glass. Full bodied, sensuous and silky, the wine is deeply concentrated and also effortless to...
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, 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.
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 98 points: The complex array of aromatics offers cigar wrapper, wet earth, cedar wood, forest floor and dark red fruits. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, with sensuous, plush textures, density and complexity. The finish holds on...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: Quite floral, this shows a wealth of very ripe plums and black cherries. The tannins are powerful with a thread of spicy cinnamon-infused oak. Rippling with power. Yet ever so refined and beautiful. Try around 2025.
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...
jebdunnuck.com, 100 points: (JD98-100 points) The 2015 Château Pavie is going to be a candidate for the wine of the vintage, both from the right and left banks, it’s that good. Made from 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet...
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...
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...
jamessuckling.com, 94 points: Beautiful aromas of plums and filtered coffee follow through to a full body. Firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Bright acidity and spice character. Tight and focused. Needs two or three years to open.
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: The dried-fruit and wet-earth character are eye-catching with some cedar and sandalwood. Full body, tight tannins and super polish and finesse. Velvety. A great second wine of Château Pavie. Try in 2022.
jamessuckling.com, 93 points: A plummy and juicy red with berry and spice undertones. Some dark tea and tobacco, too. Full body and dense and very soft tannins. Wonderfully textured. Love to drink it now but it will age beautifully.
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