what are the best bordeaux wines

The World's Best: Top 15 Bordeaux Wines.

• Médoc. Médoc, the most famous red wine district in Bordeaux, and perhaps the world. The Médoc stretches northwest from the city of Bordeaux along the ...
• Sauternes.
• St-Emilion.
• Pomerol.

Full Answer

Is claret and Bordeaux the same wine style?

Claret refers specifically to a Bordeaux-style blend of red wine imported from France to the UK. In contrast, Bordeaux is a vast wine region on the Atlantic coast of France. In addition to its famous blended wines, 21 st -century wine lovers know many other excellent bottles of wine made in Bordeaux.

What are the best Bordeaux vintage years?

Without any doubt among the best vintages of Bordeaux red wines we can find at the top the legendary vintages of 1990, 2005 and 2009, 1945 and 1961. Other sensational vintages of Bordeaux follow such as 1985, 1986, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2000. Finally, , great Bordeaux vintages such as 1975, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1995, 2001, 2010.

How to pair Bordeaux red wines with food?

What food to pair with red Bordeaux

• Riper, full-bodied Merlot-dominated bordeaux. Steak, especially richer steak dishes such as tournedos rossini. ...
• Older vintages of Bordeaux where the primary fruit has faded. Similar to my recommendations for 'classic' Bordeaux above. ...
• First and second growths if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on them. ...

What does Bordeaux have to do with wine?

Bordeaux wine is classified as a unique blend of at least two of the three grape varieties that are commonly grown in the Bordeaux region: While the grapes are traditionally vinified together in Bordeaux and include cabernet, merlot, and petit verdot, the term can refer to this combination used around the world.

Which Bordeaux wine is best?

10 of the Best Splurge-Worthy Bordeaux Wines You Can Drink Right NowChâteau Montrose La Dame de Montrose, Saint-Estephe (2011) ... Château Giscours, Margaux (2015) ... Ségla, Margaux (2012) ... Clos Beauregard, Pomerol (2012) ... Château Le Moulin, Pomerol (2010) ... Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac (2015)More items...•

What are the 6 Bordeaux wines?

What are the Bordeaux Varietals? The six Bordeaux Varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and occasionally Carménère. Bordeaux blends are made up of differing combinations of these grapes, all of which bring unique characteristics to their wines.

Who Makes the Best Bordeaux?

The magnificent 10: top Bordeaux wine producersChateau Ausone.Chateau Cheval Blanc.Chateau Haut-Brion.Chateau Lafite-Rothschild.Chateau Latour.Chateau Margaux.Chateau Mouton Rothschild.Le Pin.More items...•

What is a great Bordeaux?

As one of the world's premier wine regions, Bordeaux's main focus is Cabernet Sauvignon- and Merlot-driven blends. While Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot make regular appearances, the region is also known for producing small amounts of white Bordeaux, as well as the lusciously sweet wine known as Sauternes.

Why is Bordeaux wine the best?

Of course, one of the key reasons why Bordeaux is so prized around the world is due to its aging potential. All of the red wines of Bordeaux will be aged in traditional barrels before bottling, but thanks to the emphasis on the tannic Cabernet Sauvignon grape, they are perfect for aging in the bottle.

Is Burgundy wine the same as Bordeaux?

Bordeaux wine comes from the eastern part of Bordeaux. Burgundy wine is from the southwest regions of Burgundy. Bordeaux grapes thrive in warm temperatures, whereas Burgundy grapes do well in cooler climates. Bordeaux wine has layered dark fruit and dry notes.

How much is a good Bordeaux?

There, the best "bargain" Cabernet starts at $70 a bottle as a global average price, while our value-searching algorithm suggests the best Bordeaux blend starts at an average of $290.

What is a good inexpensive Bordeaux?

Jane Anson's top 10 'affordable' Bordeaux winesChâteau Bauduc, Bordeaux Blanc. ... Château du Cros, Bordeaux Blanc. ... Clos Floridène, Bordeaux Blanc. ... Château Poitevin, Médoc. ... Château Les Trois Croix, Fronsac. ... Château le Puy Cuvée Emilien Francs Côtes de Bordeaux. ... Château Roquetaillade La Grange, Graves.More items...•

Which Bordeaux region is the best?

The most prestigious sub-regions in the Médoc include Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe, Margaux and Pessac-Leognan. The wines from the Médoc are some of the boldest and most tannic of Bordeaux wines, perfect for aging or pairing with red meats.

When should I drink my Bordeaux?

Can all Bordeaux age? No way. Young white Bordeaux should be consumed within a few years and less expensive red Bordeaux is meant to be consumed within 5 years. Don't hold onto it unless it's of high quality, or you'll lose the enjoyment it can offer you now.

How do you drink Bordeaux?

How To Serve BordeauxServe Red Bordeaux slightly below room temperature (around 65 °F / 18 °C).Decant red Bordeaux for at least 30 minutes.Store all your red wines below 65 °F / 18 °C.Expect to spend around $25–$30 for a great bottle of Red Bordeaux.

Is Bordeaux wine like Pinot Noir?

Bordeaux also tends to be big and bold in flavor, unlike Burgundy, which is made from the thin-skinned, finicky pinot noir grape. The stylistic differences in the wines are mirrored in the very different vibes of the two regions. Bordeaux abounds in vast estates fronted by big, showcase châteaux.

How many Bordeaux wines are there?

Those 6,000 wineries and vineyards make more than 9,000 different Bordeaux wines every vintage.

What are Bordeaux style wines?

The term “Bordeaux style” is typically used to refer to a wine, not directly to grapes, but it implies something about the grapes used to make the wine. In the actual Bordeaux region of France, red wines are blended from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot grapes.

What wines come from the Bordeaux region?

The Bordeaux Wine Region and Its Sub-Regions The red Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc (small amounts of Carmenere) is one of the most replicated ones in the world.

What are the levels of Bordeaux wine?

THE FIVE BORDEAUX WINE CLASSIFICATIONSThe 1855 classification.The Graves classification.The Saint-Émilion classification.The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc classification.The Crus Artisans classification.

What is Bordeaux blend?

The Bordeaux blend is the benchmark for so many winemakers and even entire regions; what would Napa be if it didn't have Bordeaux to base itself on, for example? Bordeaux is the well-to-do, besuited vigneron, welcoming the great and good to a palatial château, set in garden-like grounds.

How many decimal places does Wine Searcher score?

As usual, we are using the aggregated weighted critic scores that Wine-Searcher allots to each wine as our guide. We measure this score to four decimal places (even though we only display the rounded, two-digit total), so even wines with the same rounded score are in strict order.

Is Bordeaux a vinous wine?

Expert opinions would have us believe that Bordeaux is a kind of vinous Nirvana, where great wines grow as of right and anything that doesn't have the sage heads of the inner circle of wine's gatekeepers nodding in purring approval simply doesn't exist. And to them, non classed-growth Bordeaux doesn't exist. They live only in a world of cru classés, where châteaux vie to entertain them with luxurious tastings in sumptuous surroundings. Not for them the simpler, less-heralded wines of the basic Bordeaux appellation; those wines are for the plebs.

Is Bordeaux red or white?

The big reveal from the list is that, of course, Bordeaux's highest-scoring wine isn't one of the sacred First Growths; it's not even red, which is strangely satisfying. Given the repute of Bordeaux lies firmly upon grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it's the ripest of ironies that the leading wine from the region is a sweet white classic.

Does non-classed growth Bordeaux exist?

And to them, non classed-growth Bordeaux doesn't exist. They live only in a world of cru classés, where châteaux vie to entertain them with luxurious tastings in sumptuous surroundings. Not for them the simpler, less-heralded wines of the basic Bordeaux appellation; those wines are for the plebs.

What is the wine of Bordeaux?

As one of the world’s premier wine regions, Bordeaux’s main focus is Cabernet Sauvignon- and Merlot-driven blends. While Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot make regular appearances, the region is also known for producing small amounts of white Bordeaux, as well as the lusciously sweet wine known as Sauternes.

Is Bordeaux divided into three regions?

Bordeaux is divided into three regions — the rival Left Bank and Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers — each with its own distinct terroir. As a result, deciphering Bordeaux’s many variations can be tricky. Add Bordeaux’s often intimidating prices, and it’s not hard to understand why oenophiles on a budget often shy away from its wines. However, a great bottle of Bordeaux doesn’t have to break the bank.

Does Bordeaux have to break the bank?

However, a great bottle of Bordeaux doesn’t have to break the bank. To ensure that approachable Bordeaux is on the radar for every drinker, VinePair asked wine professionals around the country which bottles of Bordeaux present the very best value.

Where does the most expensive wine come from?

Many of the world’s most expensive wines come from France’s Bordeaux. Famously divided into the Left and Right Banks by the Gironde and Dordogne rivers, the region’s red wines are primarily made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, though Malbec and other varieties are allowed in the final blend.

What is Château Vernous 2017?

Château Vernous 2017 Cru Bourgeois (Médoc); $25, 90 points. A blend with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, this ripe, structured wine is full of satisfying black fruits and acidity. They go with the dryness of tannins to give a wine that has a promising future. Drink from 2022. –R.V.

How much is Château du Retout 2017?

Château du Retout 2017 Cru Bourgeois (Haut-Médoc); $25, 91 points. This is a dense blend, with more than 80% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is full of tannins as well as bold black fruits. The balance that is already in place assures aging potential. Drink from 2022. –R.V.

How much is Château Côtes de Blaignan 2016?

Château Côtes de Blaignan 2016 Cru Bourgeois (Médoc); $15, 91 points. The 30-acre estate, owned by the same family since the 19th century, is on one of the gravel outcrops that indicate quality in the Médoc. This wine has ripe berry fruits, rich tannins and a juicy, smoky character that makes it a classic. Drink from 2021. Best Buy. –Roger Voss

What is the price of Château La Fleur Peyrabon 2017?

Château La Fleur Peyrabon 2017 Cru Bourgeois (Pauillac); $29, 92 points. A 17-acre portion of the Peyrabon vineyard lies in Pauillac and is made into a separate wine. This latest release with 61% Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth, sumptuous with big tannins and black-currant flavors. With its concentration and great fruits, it will age well. Drink from 2023. Cellar Selection. –R.V.

How many points is Château Castera 2017?

Château Castera 2017 Cru Bourgeois (Médoc); $28, 90 points. This 155-acre estate dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the modernization of the vineyard has resulted in an accessible wine that combines fine tannins and ripe black fruits. This wine has some of the freshness of the vintage although it does need to age. Drink from 2022. –R.V.

Where is Château Maucamps 2017?

Château Maucamps 2017 Cru Bourgeois (Haut-Médoc); $27, 91 points. Situated in the village of Macau just south of Margaux , the 47-acre vineyard has produced this wood-aged wine that shows plenty of ripe fruits. A touch of licorice goes with juicy blackberry fruits and acidity to balance the wine.

Where is the best Bordeaux wine from 2009?

Big, bold and luscious from the get-go, the best Bordeaux wines of 2009 are from the Médoc subregions of Saint-Julien, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, with some standouts farther south in Pessac-Léognan. In Bordeaux, some producers had mixed feelings about the softness of the tannins and many purists wanted more structure.

What is the alcohol level of Bordeaux?

Alcohol levels are still modest, traditional Bordeaux, at around 13% or 13.5% alcohol by volume (abv), compared with the much higher figures for many vintages since then.

Is 2010 a good wine?

Out of the trio, 2010 is the least ready to drink. It’s also the best. While the beginning of the growing season was problematic, summer and autumn brought just the right conditions to create grapes that were concentrated while still having enough acidity.

Which appellations have the best late autumn weather?

Summary: Some excellent wines, particularly in that northern Médoc triumvirate of St-Julien, Pauillac and St-Estèphe. Those three appellations, that had the best of the glorious late Autumn weather and most crucially suffered less from rain in August and October. However, clear differences between first and second wines suggest careful selection was needed. Jane Anson, 2017.

Does Cabernet Sauvignon ripen in the fall?

There was a record start to flowering, after hot conditions early in the year, yet a cool, rainy summer, with better-but-patchy weather in the autumn, hindered ripening for both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Is Bordeaux 2010 a good wine?

Bordeaux 2010 is a powerful vintage with high tannin and acidity, although alcohols were considered controversially high in some cases. The best wines should age for many years and will require patience. Look out for value among smaller estates and lesser known appellations.

Is 2012 Merlot better than 2011?

Summary: Not an easy year but generally viewed as better than 2011; albeit there was talk of reappraisal for the 11s in 2018. The 2012 weather conditions got off to a terrible start in spring, so flowering was uneven and drawn out. At en primeur, a hot summer was deemed to have helped earlier-ripening Merlot, while late September rains hampered some Cabernet Sauvignon. Top wines have lovely fruit structure, real definition and excellent balance, but the warning is for consistency. In general, it’s a vintage to enjoy relatively young. Release prices led to criticism from merchants at the time.

Is Château Margaux 100 points?

Predominantly a victory for the Right Bank , although Château Margaux’s 100-point effort would beg to differ. No doubt at all that the Pessac-Léognan and Margaux appellations produced some spectacular wines, but for consistency of achievement you have to go to St-Emilion and Pomerol. There are plenty of good options at Cru Bourgeois level in this vintage. Jane Anson.

A Note on Grape Varieties

The Most Common Bordeaux Grape Varieties

• The Bordeaux wine region typically uses a few different grape varieties. In terms of the region’s best red blend wine, Bordeaux typically focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. In contrast, white Bordeaux is typically made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. These six grapes are the most popular, but wine lovers occas...

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