Bordeaux

Although the grape varieties used are slightly different depending on the bank, the common point of every Bordeaux wines is that all are blended wines. Red Bordeaux wines are mainly composed of the two following grape varieties: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which account for around 80% of the Bordeaux vineyard. Bordeaux white wines are mainly made up with Semillon and Sauvignon and can be considered as dry wines or sweet wines, depending on the designation.

Apart from Bordeaux wines classification (grand cru, cru bourgeois, grand cru classé of Bordeaux, grand cru classé of Saint Emilion…), the opinions and recommendations of critics and specialists are also very useful to help wine lovers in the choice of the best Bordeaux wines. Indeed, these ratings can help to make the difference between a basic wine from a good or premium wine, and even from an exceptional one. One of the most renowned critic is Robert Parker and his ratings have a considerable influence on wines sales and prices.  For example the price premium for a 100/100 Parker rated vintage and an 90/100 for the same wine can be up to 300% (i.e. Montrose 1990 vs Montrose 1989)! Even if a wine rating is also linked to the personal tastes of the critic, it can be an indication concerning the overall quality of the vintage. In this way, a « good vintage » or « exceptional vintage » will be a decisive criteria to choose to buy a very great wine!

The overall quality for Bordeaux classified growths has made tremendous improvements over the last 30 years thanks to wine growing (yield reduction, later harvest dates) and wine making techniques. Therefore, there is no poor Bordeaux vintage (except 2013) and most recent Bordeaux vintages are rather very good (2012 or 2014) or exceptional vintages (2009, 2010, 2015, 2016). Bordeaux is also well known for French oak ageing (usually 100% new oak and 18 to 24 months ageing for 1855 classified growths) giving cacao, coffee, and grilled aromas rather than the cinnamon and vanillas flavours of american oak. 

Bordeaux Vineyard climate is cool and atlantic, which is very good for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is  warm enough to get ripe grapes  and cool enough to avoid over ripeness, even  if because of  reduced yield and climate change, alcohol level can reach 15% for Merlot from warmers   Bordeaux vintages. On classical years, a Bordeaux vineyard balanced climate enables most Bordeaux wines to keep sufficient acidity and complex aromas. Most Classified growths require patience and are drinkable after 20 years, cheaper Bordeaux wines such as crus Bourgeois need 10 years cellaring, this fresh balance and ageing potential makes Bordeaux different from “Bordeaux blends” from the new world.

With all the designations, chateaux, ratings and vintages, it can be very difficult to choose a wine or to know when a wine will be at its peak. That is why at Vins & Millésimes, we offer a huge catalogue of great ready-to-drink wines and grands crus from Bordeaux as well as selection of old vintages at the best price. 100% of our wines are in stock and always shipped as quick as possible!