Winemaker Notes
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a smooth, spicy wine that has ripe tannins and a juicy core of blackberry flavors. It has structure underneath the fruit, with a fresh line of acidity at the end. This versatile Bordeaux can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 7 years.
Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2023 Château Lajarre displays a medium ruby hue and opens with aromas of early-summer blackberries intertwined with subtle oak tones. On the palate, it reveals nuances of sandalwood, dried earth, and gentle spice, offering a sense of balance and quiet elegance. This Right Bank gem finds a perfect culinary companion in Gigot d’Agneau à la Bordelaise—a traditional roast leg of lamb prepared with shallots, red wine, garlic, and fresh herbs, finished with a rich Bordelais sauce. (Tasted: November 6, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
In most of France, wines are named by their place of origin and not by the type of grape (with the exception of Alsace). Just like a red Burgundy is by law, always made of Pinot noir, a red Bordeaux is a blended wine composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Depending on the laws of the village from which the grapes come, the conditions of the vintage and decisions of the winemaker, the blend can be further supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and in rare cases, Carmenere. So popular and repeated has this mix of grape varieties become worldwide, that the term, Bordeaux Blend, refers to a wine blended in this style, regardless of origin.