December 2023 - Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, France

The Bordeaux region is in the Southwest region of France, surrounding the rivers Gironde, Garonne, and Dordogne. It is divided into mainly three parts: The Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-Duex--Mers.

There is a unifying tradition in Bordeaux: the cult of blending. Red wines have long been a concoction of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc; the exact composition varies depending on the region, cepage (proportions of different varieties planted), winemaker preferences, and vintage.

As a general rule, Merlot plays a dominant role in the wines of the Right Bank – Cabernet Sauvignon is the king in the Left. Why blends? It evolved out of necessity: in Bordeaux’s marginal climate, it was not uncommon for one (or more) varieties to fail to ripen in wet vintages. So planting different grapes provided the estate with an insurance policy against the vagaries of the season. In addition, many winemakers advocate blending as a way of increasing the complexity of the wines.

White

Dourthe La Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc, 2021

100% Sauvignon Blanc Vinification: Cold tank stainless steel fermentation with skin contact & lees aging for body and complexity. Lemon and grapefruit on the nose combined with a mineral touch. Beautifully aromatic, fresh and fruity with an elegant long and aromatic finish.

Chateau La Gabarre Blanc, 2022 Right Bank Bordeaux

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Fresh and inviting, with notes of honeydew melon, grapefruit and peach. Good mineral and a light, bracing style.

Chateau Millet Graves Blanc, 2022 Graves

50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Gris. There is a short skin contact maceration followed by fermentation with careful temperature control. The wine is aged on lees for 6 months. The wine is a pale yellow color with a golden shimmer, and the aromatics hover between floral and fruity. In the mouth, the attack benefits from a refreshing acidity and the finish is long.

Chateau Fontaine Sauternes, 2020 Sauternes

90% Semillon 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Creamy and silky dessert wine with ripe peach, apricot flavours with bright balanced acidity. Chill and enjoy with creamy blue cheeses, paté foie gras and custard fruit flans.

Red

Strong Arms Bordeaux Red, 2020 Canon-Fronsac

97.5 % Merlot 2.5% Cab Franc. Sensual dark purple color. Ripe black cherries, truffles and a bit of dark chocolate, a hint of exotic spice. Full and round, mouth filling, with silky texture and long soft, lingering finish.

Nicolas Barreyre Bordeaux Superieure, 2019

80% Merlot 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Young vines. Traditional vinification in neutral tank. Bright nose of red and dark fruits; soft, well-rounded texture on the palate with a touch of Bordeaux “grip.” Fresh and satisfying finish.

Chateau Berreyre Bordeaux Superieure, 2019 Haute-Medoc

70% Merlot, 25% cab, 5% Petit Verdot. It displays plenty of berry fruit, good ripe tannins, and a long balanced finish. Succulent with a creamy texture, this is what top quality petit château Bordeaux is all about. It is worth noting that the yields for this wine are extremely low for Bordeaux Supérieur and lend the wine a concentration not often seen in the category.

Chateau Maurac Cru Bourgeois, 2018 Haute-Medoc

50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Merlot. Hand harvesting followed by a natural yeast fermentation in neutral tank. Aging is in 40% new barrique for 12 months. Aromas of dark fruits – cassis, blackberries, plums - are followed by an elegant concentration. Its ripe fruit flavors are complemented by notes of licorice and a hint of leather on the nose, its supple, velvety texture is supported by a fine tannic structure.