Bordeaux: One region, many voices

The selection of Bordeaux red wines that follows offers a wonderful illustration of how winemakers are redefining red wine styles. Crunchy and fresh examples sit alongside structured and classic expressions, spanning a rich mosaic of terroirs.

With wines drawn from appellations ranging from the vast Bordeaux AOC to the classified estates of the Médoc and the Right Bank, discover rare varieties, biodynamic bottlings and wines aged in alternative vessels.

The tasting shines a spotlight on exciting stylistic shifts in the region, notably estates under new management, innovative winemaking strategies and proactive responses to climate challenges.

Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur: Freshness and drinkability

Contemporary Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines are leaner, brighter and more energetic. Many producers are favouring aromatic vibrancy and juiciness over concentration, with lower alcohol and a crunchiness that makes these wines extraordinarily versatile with food.

Alongside this stylistic shift, there’s a new appetite for variety. Carménère, for example, is making a comeback. As Nea Berglund from Carménère-producing Château Carsin highlights, ‘This wine is both a tribute to Bordeaux’s past and an exploration of its future. It shows that our region still has the potential to surprise.’

Entre-deux-Mers: A white region writes a new chapter

Entre-deux-Mers has been known for most of its modern history for crisp, simple, refreshing white wine. What’s new and exciting is that since 2023, the appellation has been authorised to produce reds.

Around 40 growers currently produce red Entre-deux-Mers, amounting to roughly one million bottles – modest in the context of the wider region, but growing. With a target price of £10-15 a bottle and a style that leans towards freshness and structure rather than weight, these wines sit in a real sweet spot in the market.

Graves: The comfort of the classic

Some things don’t need reinventing. The appellations of Pessac-Léognan and Graves occupy a singular position in Bordeaux: built on gravel, clay, and with a proximity to the city of Bordeaux that no other appellation shares.

While discussing the winery’s evolving winemaking practices, Hugo Boivin of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion maintains that ‘our decisions remain primarily driven by terroir expression and the pursuit of balance and elegance.’ The wines tasted in June reflected this desire to showcase the personality of the region.

These are the wines on the lists of the city’s bistros and brasseries – mineral and precise, with a savouriness that makes them excellent with food.

Médoc: Cabernet’s kingdom, reinvented for today

A generation ago, Médoc wines needed patience measured in decades. That’s shifting. Producers across the appellation – classified growths included – are making wines that deliver real pleasure in their youth without losing complexity or ageing potential. New oak is being used more judiciously, extraction is gentler, and the wines open up earlier.

Alternative ageing vessels are also in vogue. Biodynamic Château Doyac in Haut-Médoc uses amphorae to age its Cabernet Franc. ‘The amphora emphasises the purity of the black fruits and the finesse of the tannins and brings energy to the wine’, underlines owner Astrid de Pourtalès.

Blaye, Bourg: Experimentation from a younger generation

Cross the Gironde from the Médoc, and you’re in a different world. The Côtes de Bourg and Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux sit on the river’s Right Bank, facing their more famous neighbour but increasingly happy to work in their own way.

Land here remains more affordable than in the Médoc or the Right Bank’s grands crus, attracting a new generation of young, experimental producers, less influenced by reputation.

Modern techniques find their way into the cellars: whole-cluster fermentation, concrete eggs, amphora ageing, and minimal intervention.

St-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac: Diversity is the point

Properties on the Right Bank tend to be smaller than on the Left Bank, with many estates farming just a few hectares.

Nicolas Le Menn, the owner and winemaker at Château Belair Saint Georges in the tiny region of St-Georges-St-Emilion, shares, ‘The small size of the appellation can be an advantage when considering collective changes. With only around 20 estates, dialogue can be more direct and decisions potentially easier to implement.’ This closeness between producer and vineyard comes through as real personality in the glass.

A region with sustainability at its core

Across Bordeaux, sustainability has become a baseline expectation. More than 75% of the vineyard area holds an environmental certification, up from 35% in 2014, with the region aiming for 100% by 2030. Almost a quarter of vineyards are farmed organically, and greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 37% since 2007 (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux).

Charles Weisgerber, owner and winemaker at Château La Peyruche in Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, practises regenerative viticulture on his estate.

‘Maintaining the fertility of our soils is key to the sustainability of our vineyard. Promoting life and biodiversity in the soil makes the vines more resilient to climatic extremes’, he explains, underlining that the future of the region lies in ethical environmental approaches that help to mitigate climate change.

Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines to try:

Château Grand-Français, Amphore 2022 91pts

Bordeaux Supérieur 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot. Red fruits, black pepper on the nose with hints of stems and pungent herbs. Floral and appealing. Juicy on the palate with excellent mouthwatering acidity. Great freshness and purity of fruit augmented by the inclusion of stems. Sapid, succulent and a joy to drink now. Organic. Alc 12.5%

Maison Sichel, Ocha 2024 91pts

Bordeaux 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Very pale colour, surprising and intriguing. Spices on the nose, some floral hints, a touch green but very modern. The palate follows suit with hints of pepper and cardamom, red cherries and a hint of green beans. Bright and juicy acidity, drinks well. HVE certified. Alc 12.5%

Domaines Jean Michel Cazes, Michel Lynch Bio 2023 90pts

Bordeaux 100% Merlot. Black pepper on the nose, dark fruits, intriguing and appealing. Bright cherries on the palate, the tannins are bold and dry but well managed. Fresh acidity and nice fruit purity from start to finish. Organic. Alc 13.5%

Château Carsin, Amphora Carmenère 2024 89pts

Bordeaux 100% Carmenère. The nose is slightly green and peppery, very particular and unusual. Similar on the palate with a lot of green hints. A savoury, earthy style that would appeal to wine geeks. Fresh acidity and juicy tannins. Organic. Alc 11.5%

Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus, Cap Royal 2023 89pts

Bordeaux Supérieur 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Smoky on the nose. Juicy and crunchy fruits on the palate, still a little tight but already shows its personality. Smooth tannins and succulent acidity. Fresh and bright. Needs some time to breathe to open up. Vegan. Alc 13.5%

Lucien Aimé & Fils, Contact(s) Vin Violet Cabernet Franc 2022 89pts

Bordeaux 100% Cabernet Franc. Brooding nose of cassis leaves, forest berries and forest floor, very Cabernet Franc. Juicy, with bold texture and massive tannins that still need time to soften. Lingers long with this forest berry element. A characterful and gastronomic wine. Organic, vegan. Alc 13.5%

Entre-deux-Mers, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Ste-Foy

Château Martet, Réserve de Famille 2022 92pts

Ste-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux 100% Merlot. Oaky nose of cinnamon and cloves with a hint of dark chocolate and berries in the background. Great fruit quality on the palate, pure and profound character, all framed by high-quality oak. Not an easy-drinking wine but has all the structural elements to satisfy. Needs to be served with a hearty meal. HVE certified. Alc 15%

Vignobles Michel Boyer, Château du Cros 2022 92pts

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 100% Merlot. Medium to pale ruby, unusual. Raspberries and floral nuances on the nose, vivid and bright. Excellent, bright and juicy acidity on the palate, so vivid and invigorating. Makes you want a second glass. Fluid tannins, pure fruit. Serve slightly chilled for the best experience. Ideal as an aperitif! HVE certified. Alc 14.5%

Château Aurore, Une Saison en Enfer 2023 91pts

Entre-deux-Mers 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Spicy nose, a bit earthy with notes of forest floor. Sweet berries on the palate, good depth and length. Creamy acidity that balances the sweetness. Polished tannins add length and ageing potential. Organic. Alc 13.5%

Vignobles Buffeteau, Asterra 2023 91pts

Entre-deux-Mers 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet spices on the nose, chocolate and cacao, very appealing. Powerful and bold on the palate with great fruit purity. A touch of spice adds complexity. A serious wine with grippy tannins. HVE certified, organic. Alc 14%

Vignobles Gonfrier, Château Tanesse 2023 91pts

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Brooding nose of dark berries, forest floor and a hint of oak bark. Juicy, with good texture and powerful structure. Acidity carries it all well to the finish. Lingering ripe fruits and polished tannins. Needs some good meat with it. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Vins Pauline Lapierre, Les Vignes de Coulous 2022 91pts

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Forest berries, raspberries and a hint of forest floor. Juicy on the palate with vibrant acidity and a smooth, creamy texture. Very fluid and coherent from start to finish. Slightly grainy tannins, giving ageing potential. Peppery finish. Organic. Alc 14%

Château La Peyruche, Les Pins Francs 2024 90pts

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 100% Cabernet Franc. Slightly shy on the nose, just a hint of berries. Bright fruit on the palate, of moderate intensity. Not a showy wine but with well-managed tannins and fresh acidity. Would pair well with cold cuts. Good length and precision. HVE certified, organic. Alc 13%

Graves

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2023 93pts

Pessac-Léognan 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. Dark nose of bramble and blackberries. Coffee and chocolate on the palate, creamy black fruits, all in balance. Alcohol is moderate and well balanced by the poised acidity. Elegant tannins support the coherent structure. Great wine in its perfect drinking window. HVE certified. Alc 14%

Vignobles Haverlan, Vieux Château Gaubert 2022 92pts

Graves 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Expressive nose – cassis, forest berries, balsamic, with a serious oak imprint. Juicy and bold on the palate with concentrated flavours that linger. Succulent acidity supports the opulent structure well. A hint of leafiness on the finish adds to the freshness. Coffee and dark chocolate conclude the palate. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Château Lamothe-Bouscaut 2020 92pts

Pessac-Léognan 69% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec. Spicy nose, woody and pungent pepper, very attractive and serious from the beginning. Powerful on the palate with great fruit concentration and precision. Tannins are already very smooth and velvety. In perfect shape for immediate drinking but can also withstand further ageing. Coffee and dark chocolate on the finish. HVE certified. Alc 14.5%

Château Olivier 2023 92pts

Pessac-Léognan 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Perfumed nose of blue flowers like lilac and iris, a hint of bramble and blackberries. Polished palate with good acidity and fine-grained tannins. High precision, crisp acidity, polished and with a clean finish. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château Le Thil 2022 92pts

Pessac-Léognan 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Quite discreet notes of spices and flowers on the nose. Crunchy and bright in the mouth with a lot of tension and smooth tannins. Very open and accessible on the palate compared to the nose. Nice fluidity and juiciness that lingers on the palate. Organic. Alc 14.5%

Château Jouvente, La Source de Jouvente 2022 91pts

Graves 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Attractive nose – mint, cassis and a hint of balsamic. Smoky and dark on the palate, with moderate concentration, quite fine and elegant, well balanced and poised. Ticks all the boxes of a classic Graves – round acidity, fine-grained tannins, savoury character of wet stones and pencil lead. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Château Le Bruilleau 2022 91pts

Pessac-Léognan 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. A fresher expression of the vintage. Not too expressive on the nose, the palate is juicy but quite dry. Good tannins – chalky and fine-grained. Crunchy red fruits and some blood orange on the finish. HVE certified. Alc 14%

Château Picque Caillou 2023 91pts

Pessac-Léognan 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. A hint of balsamic and dried herbs on the nose. Powerful and bold on the palate, high in alcohol and tannins but all very well balanced by the juiciness of the red and black fruits. Precise, with polished tannins and very considered use of oak. Great finesse and length. HVE certified. Alc 14%

Médoc

Château Lafon-Rochet 2022 93pts

St-Estèphe 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Nose of cedar wood and sweet red and black cherries, very poised and self contained. Powerful and heady on the palate with typically strong St-Estèphe tannins. A lot of concentration in this wine. Serve with hearty meals if open now or wait for three to four years for the best expression. Organic. Alc 12.7%

Château Doyac, Cabernet Franc 2023 92pts

Haut-Médoc 100% Cabernet Franc. Pleasant nose of dark plums and cherries and a hint of bramble. Fruity and outspoken. Juicy on the palate with an excellent acidic backbone. Tannins are grainy and fine, adding to the overall finesse. Lingering finish of sour cherries. Delicious! Biodynamic, HVE certified, organic. Alc 13.5%

Château du Glana 2022 92pts

St-Julien 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot. Floral notes and pink pepper on the nose, quite unusual though very appealing. Soft and round already, with creamy black fruits and juicy, ripe acidity. Tannins cover the palate gracefully. Very fluid and sensual finish. HVE certified. Alc 15%

Château Clarke 2022 91pts

Listrac-Médoc 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. A hint of balsamic, dried herbs and flowers on the nose. Already quite developed in aromas with dried fruits and sweet cacao spice. The tannins are still a bit young and grippy but overall well integrated into the bold structure. Linear and upfront on the finish. A gastronomic wine that calls for a hearty meal. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Château Lousteauneuf, Les Ânes Lousteauneuf 2023 91pts

Médoc 100% Cabernet Franc. Woody and brooding nose of spice and pencil lead. Classic Médoc austerity on the palate – gravelly tannins combined with crisp acidity and nuances of sour berries and graphite. Still a little closed. A benchmark expression of its terroir that needs more time to become softer. HVE certified. Alc 13%

Clos Manou 2022 91pts

Médoc 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Ripe red and black fruits on the nose, with a hint of spices and dark minerality. Juicy and dense on the palate with bold tannins. The acidity carries through to the finish. Ripe fruits and sweet spices like cacao complete the picture. Not fully opened yet, give it some time. HVE certified. Alc 14.5%

Château Pédesclaux 2022 91pts

Pauillac 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Sweet fruit on the nose, appealing and inviting. Soft and juicy on the palate with balanced acidity and round, sleek tannins. Creamy texture adds to the overall softness of the wine. Red and black fruits dominate the palate along with some light nuances of cacao. Ready to drink. Organic. Alc 13%

Château Haut Breton Larigaudière, Cuvée Le Créateur 2021 90pts

Margaux 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense nuances of noble oak, some tobacco and a hint of leafiness. Sleek and juicy on the palate with a similarly leafy profile. Red fruits come through with aeration. Elegant and svelte, typical of the year. Tannins are well worked. Some roasted coffee on the finish. Drink now. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Blaye, Bourg

Château Bourdieu, N°1 2025 91pts

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc. Bright, crunchy fruit on the nose, floral and attractive. A lot of energy on the palate; crisp, vibrant acidity. Full of life and energy, with crisp red fruits jumping out of the glass. Super fresh, perfectly made for summer. Serving slightly chilled is a must. HVE certified, organic. Alc 14%

Vignobles Rodet Recapet, Château La Gravière 2022 90pts

Côtes de Bourg 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Somewhat reductive on the nose. Elegant wood on the palate adds length and complexity. Moderate acidity but very precise tannins. A serious wine that does not show off but charms with quiet nobility and poise. Creamy fruit on the finish extends length. HVE certified. Alc 14%

Château Le Piat 2024 90pts

Côtes de Bourg 80% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc. Slightly shy on the nose, but the palate is bright and vivid with excellent acidity and good fruit quality. Crunchy cherries and raspberries, slightly grippy tannins, very fluid texture. Vibrant and juicy finish. HVE certified. Alc 13%

Château Puynard, Bacon Wine 2023 90pts

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 100% Merlot. Smoky nose, some charred wood. Nice juice on the palate, bright cherry fruit with a hint of raspberries. Very precise and linear. Creamy acidity, polished tannins. Well balanced, with a round and creamy finish. Organic. Alc 13.5%

Château Tour Saint Germain, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 90pts

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Berries, forest floor. Leafy hints add complexity and freshness. Bright and crunchy, with juiciness that balances the bold tannins. A faint medicinal hint in the background. Can age. HVE certified. Alc 14%

St-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac

Château Haut-Rocher 2022 92pts

St-Emilion Grand Cru 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec. Crunchy and juicy red fruits on the nose. Precise and clean with typical St-Emilion crisp acidity. Tannins are chalky but polished. Great elegance and precision in the glass. Perfect typicity of the terroir. Already accessible but can age gracefully. HVE certified, organic. Alc 14%

Château Dalem 2023 91pts

Fronsac 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec. Dark nose of cassis and bramble. Juicy and precise on the palate with bold but polished tannins, great fruit concentration and crisp, lively acidity. Lingers on the palate. Perfectly balanced, makes you want a second sip. HVE certified. Alc 13.5%

Domaine des 4 Vents, Alizés 2022 91pts

Puisseguin St-Emilion 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Forest berries on the nose, forest floor, bramble. Juicy and dense on the palate with bold but velvety tannins. Smooth and fresh acidity that balances the body well. Clean and precise finish. Well made! Organic. Alc 14%

Château Corbin 2022 91pts

St-Emilion Grand Cru 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Floral nose with violets, peonies and a hint of tobacco leaf. Juicy and fruity with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and chalky, fine-grained tannins. Mineral, savoury finish of spices and forest floor. HVE certified. Alc 14.5%

Château Ampélia 2023 90pts

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Beautiful floral nose of violets and cherry blossom. Juicy and smooth on the palate with excellent work on the tannins. Poised acidity, ripe cherry notes and a creamy texture – everything in balance. Enjoy now. Organic. Alc 14%

Château Belair Saint-Georges 2022 90pts

St-Georges St-Emilion 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot. Spices and red fruits on the nose. Succulent palate with chalky tannins that are polished and sleek. Great precision, bright acidity that connects the whole. Good fruit purity from start to finish. HVE certified. Alc 14.5%

All wines were tasted blind and supplied to Decanter to feature in paid-for content. Tasting was carried out at the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) headquarters in Bordeaux in June 2026.

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