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.
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...
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, 96 points: Gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries, with vanilla bean. Full-bodied, with a solid core of very ripe fruit, toasted oak, milk chocolate and a long finish. Layered and intense. Made from organically...
Wine Spectator, 96 points: Delivers so much blackberry leather and dried fruits on the nose. Full-bodied with ultrapolished tannins and a silky mouthfeel. The palate turns to leaves cedar and dried berries on the finish which goes on and on. This...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Pape Clément has an intense bouquet that is very well defined, adorned with cassis, blueberry and subtle iodine scents that all gain...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points: Tasted at the château, the 2006 Le Gay has an intriguing, attractive bouquet with secondary aromas of truffle and dried blood, an almost ferrous verging on animally aroma that renders it a little rustic compared to other...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: A good value among over-achieving St.-Emilion estates is La Fleur Cardinale's 2009. Composed of 70% Merlot 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon some of the abrasive tannins noticeable early on in this big wine...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: An absolutely spectacular effort the 2009 is one of the all-time great La Gaffelieres produced. One would have to go back to the 2005 1947 or 1961 to find this level of quality from this ancient historic vineyard planted...
jebdunnuck.com, 99 points: The crème de la crème from the northern Médoc is the 2015 Mouton Rothschild and this incredible wine flirts with perfection. Made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, this inky purple-colored...
Stephen Tanzer's IWC, 92 points: Medium ruby-red. Exotic aromas of currant plum tobacco minerals smoke and spices complicated by hints of cherry-cola and pepper. At once generous and juicy with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and a strong...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 100 points: The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a glorious nose of acacia flowers licorice charcoal blueberries black...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 points: Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Smith Haut-Lafitte has an intriguing bouquet with surprising mineral intensity coming through the pure blackberry and cassis fruit. The oak...
Neal Martin's Wine Journal, 96 points: Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This has a languid, sensuous nose with bright red-berried fruit, strawberry, cranberry and a touch of granite. Superb definition and sense of clarity. The palate is...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: The limited production 2009 Haut-Brisson Reserve ratchets up everything from the color (inky purple) to the aromatics flavor profile and long full-bodied finish. This is a brilliant St.-Emilion that tastes like it came...
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