
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.
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Chateau Leoville Barton 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WW
- WS
- W&S
- WE
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Chateau Latour 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- WS
- RP
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Joseph Phelps Insignia (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Bond Vecina (slightly torn label) 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
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Bond Matriarch 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WE
- RP
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Bond St. Eden 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Chateau Margaux 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- WS
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Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- WS
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Robert Foley Vineyards Claret 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
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Verite La Muse 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- RP
- JD
- JS
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Bond Melbury 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- WS
- RP
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Chateau Palmer 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Peter Michael Les Pavots (marked label) 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Verite La Joie 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Harlan The Maiden (scuffed label) 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Chateau Latour 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Justin Isosceles 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Central Coast, California
- RP
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Abreu Vineyards Madrona Ranch 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Stonestreet Legacy Meritage Red 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Chateau Ausone 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- WS
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Vieux Chateau Certan 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
- RP
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Chateau Pavie Decesse 2002Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- JD