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, 96 points: 96+ Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and...
Vinous, 99 points: The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking. Powerful, ample and racy in the glass, the 2016 is one of the most exquisitely well-balanced young Pontet-Canets I can remember tasting. Savory, high-toned aromatics and...
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...
jamessuckling.com, 100 points: The aromas to this are incredible with blueberry, minerals, dried flowers, and stones. It goes to dried meat and spices. Full body and incredibly integrated with blackberry, licorice, and minerals. There's a wonderful...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 98 points: This just keeps getting better and better. Intensity, power, concentration, lush, soft, polished tannins and a finish that sticks with your for about 50 seconds, letting you delve into its dark, ripe, smoky fruits...
Vinous, 98 points: One of the unquestioned Sleeper jewels of the year, the 2016 Le Prieuré is off the charts beautiful. Silky and impossibly refined, the 2016 is a wine of pure and total precision. Today, the 2016 is a bit more restrained...
jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Decadent and attractive with blueberry and blackberry aromas that are abundant and clear. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Very structured and poised. Try from 2023.
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: (WE96-98 points) Mint aromas and flavors signal the new wood in which this wine is aging. It has impressive fruit, opulent and dense, balanced by fine acidity, crisp edges and solid tannins. A serious wine that will last...
Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: (WE96-98 points) This wine is massive, dense and solid. At the same time, it has style and elegance. The result is that it is ripe, yet perfumed, with ample black fruit and mouthwatering acidity. Cellar at least 12 years.
Wine Spectator, 96 points: Extremely rich and bright with lots of green fig honey and apricot. Very lush and round with some serious weight and power in reserve. Remarkably fresh now. Tasted non-blind. -J.M.
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 96 points: This is super. It has everything needed to compete with the big boys, except the price. With layer after layer of ripe, sweet, fresh, pure fruits, great textures, refined tannins and a long finish, when this hits...
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 97 points: A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot it displays an inky/blue/purple color as well as a big sweet nose of creme de cassis forest floor licorice lead pencil cedar and subtle barrique smells. Viscous and...
TheWineCellarInsider.com, 100 points: (JL98-100 points) You have to like your grapes poured over a rock quarry to get this wine, but I love it. The color of Homer’s wine dark sea with levels of extract that coat your palate, teeth and gums. There is...
Vinous, 96 points: The 2016 Gloria is one of the undisputed stars of this vintage. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice and dried rose petal...
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...
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