
Bordeaux Blends
Learn about Bordeaux Blends — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired red blends, have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World, especially in California, Washington and Australia. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, these are sometimes referred to in the US as “Meritage” blends. In Bordeaux itself, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in wines from the Left Bank of the Gironde River, while the Right Bank focuses on Merlot. Often, blends from outside the region are classified as being inspired by one or the other.
Tasting Notes for Bordeaux Blends
Bordeaux Blends are dry, red wines and generally have aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry plum, graphite, cedar and violet. Cabernet-based, Left-Bank-styled wines are typically more tannic and structured, while Merlot-based wines, modeled after the Right Bank, are softer and suppler. Cabernet Franc can add herbal notes, while Malbec and Petit Verdot contribute color and structure.
Perfect Food Pairings for Bordeaux Blends
Since Bordeaux Blends are often quite structured and tannic, they pair best with hearty, flavorful and fatty meat dishes. Any type of steak makes for a classic pairing. Equally welcome with these wines would be beef brisket, pot roast, braised lamb or smoked duck.
Sommelier Secrets for Bordeaux Blends
While the region of Bordeaux is limited to a select few approved grape varieties in specified percentages, the New World is free to experiment. Bordeaux Blends in California may include equal amounts of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, for example. Occassionally a winemaker might add a small percentage of a non-Bordeaux variety, such as Syrah or Petite Sirah for a desired result.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate36
- Wine Spectator34
- Wine Enthusiast10
- Wine & Spirits7
- James Suckling2
- Collectible36
- Older Vintages27
- Boutique4
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Ridge Monte Bello 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- RP
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Joseph Phelps Insignia (stained label) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
- W&S
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- WS
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Harlan The Maiden 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Chateau Monbousquet 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Dominus Estate (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Dalla Valle Maya Proprietary Red Blend (scuffed label) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Joseph Phelps Insignia (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Flora Springs Trilogy 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from North Coast, California
- RP
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Dominus Napanook Vineyard 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Peter Michael Les Pavots (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
- RP
- WS
- W&S
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Dalla Valle Maya Proprietary Red Blend (6 Liter Bottle) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Chateau d'Armailhac 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Behrens & Hitchcock Cuvee Lola 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Tenuta Guado al Tasso 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- WE
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Viader Proprietary Red 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
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Dominus Estate (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Dominus Estate (3 Liter Bottle) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Dominus Estate (6 Liter Bottle) 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Harlan Estate 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Dominus Estate 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Ornellaia 1997Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- WS
- RP