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, 100 points: The 2003 Lafite Rothschild comes as close to perfection as any of the great Lafites made over the past three decades (1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010). This sensational effort came in at 12.7% natural...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 97 points: This stunner keeps getting better and better. The wine has gained in richness and intensity. The ripe, sweet, luscious plums, licorice, smoke and dark chocolate notes are singing. Concentrated, silky and opulent, this...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: (93 - 95) The 2018 Les Pagodes de Cos (14.51% alcohol) is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, aging in 20% new barriques. Deep purple-black in color, it practically...
jamessuckling.com, 97 points: So much botrytis on the nose with spice, dried mushrooms and nutmeg. Dried lemons and mangoes. Full-bodied and medium sweet with density and, at the same time, lightness. I like that it is full of botrytis on the palate...
Wine Enthusiast, 97 points: (95–97) Barrel Sample. This is a powerful wine with a great future that displays a rich, juicy blackberry flavor and ripe tannins. It is well-structured and generous in fruit, yet well balanced and shows promise for the...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 100 points: Inky and opaque in color, the wine screams with licorice, truffle, dark black fruits, Asian spice and wet forest scents. The wine is stunningly concentrated filling your mouth, coating your palate and staining your teeth...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: The blackcurrant and floral aromas with brick and hot stones are tantalizing. Flowers underneath it all. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins with beautiful ripeness that highlights the palate. Second wine of...
jamessuckling.com, 98 points: Incredible perfumes and beauty with ripe plum and berry character, as well as an array of spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Full-bodied, firm and silky with beautifully polished tannins. Rendered and defined. A wine...
jamessuckling.com, 96 points: This is so attractive. It has a very rich and ripe array of dark berries and dark chocolate with a long, succulent and smooth palate that delivers so much flavor and freshness. The palate has intensity and depth with very...
Wine Enthusiast, 93 points: Ripe and spicy with delicious open fruit this wine is rounded yet has a straight line of pure acidity. It has a light touch while showing depth of flavor for the future. - R.V.
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: (94–96 points) Barrel Sample. A mix of well-structured tannins and bright acidity contrast with the perfectly ripe fruits in this beautifully balanced wine. The wine's richness is impressive and will ensure a long life...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: (94-95) A rich and layered young Bordeaux with a solid center palate of ripe fruit and coated with ripe and polished tannins. Tightly wound ball now. Pretty texture and length to this.
Wine Enthusiast, 96 points: (94-96). Barrel sample. Showing a judicious blend of new wood and ripe fruit, this is a wine that has a creamed-apple texture. It's full of bright grapefruit, sweet apple and green plum flavors.
Decanter, 96 points: Another hit, although this is not as glamorous as some vintages of Mouton. The expression here is just a little more Pauillac, rather than Mouton. Layers of blackberry and grilled almonds are marked by a touch of...
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