
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.
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Conn Creek Anthology (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Pavie (3 Liter Bottle) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- WS
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Merryvale Profile (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WE
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Chateau Clauzet (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
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Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
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Harlan Estate (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WE
- JD
- D
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Ridge Monte Bello (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- RP
Regular priceCurrently Unavailable $237.99237 99237 99Save $0.00 (0%) -
Viader V (3 Liter Bottle) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Leoville Barton (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
- WS
- JS
- RP
- WE
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Dominus Estate (slightly torn label - 1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- W&S
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Bond St. Eden (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Clos Badon Thunevin (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- W&S
- D
- JS
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel (3 Liter) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Clos du Marquis (1.5 Liter Magnum - scuffed label) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
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Chateau L'Eglise Clinet (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
- JS
- WS
- RP
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Bond Melbury (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, CaliforniaRegular priceCurrently Unavailable $809.97809 97809 97Save $0.00 (0%)
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Bond Vecina (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Pavie (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- RP
Regular priceCurrently Unavailable $729.97729 97729 97Save $0.00 (0%) -
Chateau Leoville Las Cases (3 Liter Bottle) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
- WS
- JS
- RP
- WE
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Thunevin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Clos Badon Thunevin (3 Liter Bottle) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
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Larkmead LMV Salon (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild (6 Liter Bottle) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- JS
- WE
- WS
- W&S
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Ridge Monte Bello (1.5 Liter Magnum - stained label) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- RP
- W&S
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Chateau Pavie (6 Liter Bottle) 2003Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- WS
- RP