
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.
- Pinot Noir1774
- Cabernet Sauvignon1572
- Other Red Blends1219
- Syrah/Shiraz1144
- Bordeaux Red Blends1010
- Merlot554
- Sangiovese535
- Rhône Blends514
- Zinfandel476
- Nebbiolo430
- Tempranillo419
- Other Red Wine220
- Malbec158
- Petite Sirah128
- Cabernet Franc120
- Barbera117
- Grenache114
- Tuscan Blends64
- Mourvedre48
- Gamay37
- Carmenere35
- Pinotage32
- Dolcetto31
- Montepulciano31
- Aglianico30
- Nero d'Avola27
- Sagrantino19
- Primitivo15
- Petit Verdot13
- Negroamaro12
- Carignan9
- Mencia8
- Bonarda6
- Lagrein6
- Blaufrankisch6
- Refosco6
- St. Laurent5
- Teroldego3
- Pinot Meunier2
- Tannat2
- Agiorgitiko2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Corvina1
- Lambrusco1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Valdiguie1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Bobal1
- Gaglioppo1
- Grignolino1
- Non-Vintage27
- 2019228
- 2018234
- 2017376
- 2016844
- 20151197
- 20141597
- 20131568
- 20122173
- 20111850
- 20102068
- 20091750
- 20081270
- 20071051
- 20061010
- 20051055
- 2004605
- 2003516
- 2002372
- 2001369
- 2000513
- 1999324
- 1998282
- 1997223
- 1996197
- 1995155
- 199486
- 199340
- 199231
- 199116
- 199057
- 198944
- 198835
- 198716
- 198637
- 198532
- 19845
- 198323
- 198235
- 198114
- 19806
- 197910
- 19788
- 19771
- 19756
- 19732
- 19713
- 19705
- 19663
- 19641
- 19611
- 19593
- 19551
- 19531
- 19452
- 19431
-
Dominus Estate 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Yountville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- W&S
- WE
-
Chateau Belair-Monange 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
- WE
-
Abreu Vineyards Rothwell Hyde Red 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
-
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- CG
- WS
- WE
-
Sloan Proprietary Red 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
- JS
-
Harlan The Maiden 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
-
Cayuse Flying Pig 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- RP
- WS
-
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- WS
- WE
- W&S
-
Tenuta Guado al Tasso 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
- WE
- WS
- JS
-
Robert Foley Vineyards Claret 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- WS
-
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
- WS
- D
- RP
- WE
- W&S
-
Chateau Pape Clement 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
- RP
- WE
- CG
- WS
-
Rudd Oakville Estate Proprietary Red 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
-
Antonino Izquierdo 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Ribera del Duero, Spain
- RP
-
Chateau d'Armailhac 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- RP
-
Abreu Vineyards Cappella 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
-
Bond Quella 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- WS
- RP
- JS
-
Bond St. Eden 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WE
- W&S
- JS
- WS
-
Carruades de Lafite 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- D
- RP
-
Chateau de Reignac Bordeaux Superieur 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
- RP
-
Chateau Grand Village 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
-
Domaines Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Rouge 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Bordeaux, France
-
Dominus Estate (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- W&S
- WE
-
Chateau Bernadotte 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Medoc, Bordeaux, France
-
Chateau Labegorce 2006Bordeaux Red Blends from Margaux, Bordeaux, France
- WS