
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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Opus One 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- WE
- JS
- WS
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Harlan The Maiden (stained labels) 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Colgin Cariad 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Bond Quella 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
- W&S
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Bond Vecina 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- JS
- W&S
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Bond Pluribus 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- JS
- W&S
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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- CG
- TP
- JS
- WE
- W&S
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Andrew Will Winery Ciel du Cheval 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- W&S
- RP
- WS
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Andrew Will Winery Sorella 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Columbia Valley, Washington
- WE
- RP
- W&S
- WS
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Robert Foley Vineyards Claret 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Peter Michael Les Pavots 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
- RP
- WS
- JS
- WE
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Chateau Pontet-Canet 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Bond St. Eden 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from North Coast, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- WE
- D
- WS
- JD
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Orma Toscana 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- WS
- RP
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Merryvale Profile 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- WE
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Clos Apalta 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Chile
- JS
- WS
- WE
- W&S
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Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- WE
- RP
- W&S
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Chateau Haut-Brion 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
- WE
- RP
- WS
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Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Ridge Monte Bello 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Santa Cruz Mountains, California
- JS
- W&S
- RP
- WS
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OVID 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- JS
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Bond Melbury 2007Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS