What are the main grape varieties used in Bordeaux red wines?

Red Bordeaux wines are based primarily on three emblematic grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Merlot dominates largely on the Right Bank, particularly in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, where it lends the wines roundness, generosity, and aromas of ripe red fruits. Cabernet Sauvignon asserts itself on the Left Bank, especially in the Médoc and Pessac-Léognan, bringing structure, firm tannins, and a fine capacity for ageing. Cabernet Franc, more discreet in volume, often plays a valuable blending role, contributing aromatic finesse and freshness. Other secondary grape varieties such as Petit Verdot or Malbec sometimes complete the Bordeaux blends.

What is the difference between a Bordeaux wine from the Left Bank and the Right Bank?

The distinction between the Left Bank and the Right Bank in Bordeaux is fundamental to understanding the wine styles of the region. The Left Bank encompasses prestigious appellations such as the Médoc, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux. The soils there are composed of well-draining gravels, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, which produces structured, tannic wines with excellent ageing potential. The Right Bank is home to Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac, on clay-limestone terroirs more favourable to Merlot. The wines there are generally softer, fruitier, and more approachable at an earlier stage. These two banks embody two great souls of the Bordeaux vineyard, complementary and equally remarkable in their own right.

How to choose a good Bordeaux wine to give as a gift?

Offering a Bordeaux wine is always a thoughtful gesture, provided you adapt your choice to the recipient's taste and the occasion. For a lover of powerful, age-worthy wines, look towards the great appellations of the Médoc such as Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe, whose 2016, 2018, or 2020 vintages are particularly successful. For someone who prefers rounder, more immediately accessible wines, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru or a Pomerol will be a judicious choice. If the budget is tighter, do not overlook the satellite appellations such as Lalande-de-Pomerol or the Côtes de Bordeaux, which offer excellent value for money. Finally, a vintage Sauternes will make an original and memorable gift for lovers of sweet white wines.

At what temperature should a red Bordeaux wine be served?

The serving temperature is a detail that changes everything when tasting a Bordeaux wine. A young, fruity red Bordeaux from an entry-level appellation benefits from being served slightly cool, around 15-16°C, to preserve its aromatic freshness. For the great wines of the Médoc or Saint-Émilion, a temperature of 17 to 18°C is ideal: it allows the tannins to express themselves harmoniously without the alcohol taking over. It is advisable to take the bottle out of the cellar about an hour before serving and, if the wine is young and structured, to decant it for 30 minutes to 1 hour to aerate it and fully reveal its aromas. Avoid at all costs serving a Bordeaux at room temperature in summer, as this would crush the aromas and accentuate the perception of alcohol.

What dishes to pair with a Fine Wine red Bordeaux?

A great red Bordeaux wine calls for a table worthy of its stature. The most classic and successful pairings remain red meats: a roasted Pauillac lamb with a wine from the same appellation is an anthological combination, as is a duck breast with ceps alongside a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Hard or semi-hard cheeses such as aged Comté or old Cantal also pair very well with Bordeaux tannins. For older wines with softened tannins, sauce-based preparations, a hare civet or a beef Wellington will be inspired choices. More adventurous enthusiasts can also explore pairings with noble mushrooms such as black truffle, whose earthy aromas resonate magnificently with the woody and spiced notes of great Fine Wine Bordeaux wines.

How long can a red Bordeaux wine be kept in a cellar?

The capacity for ageing is one of the most remarkable characteristics of Bordeaux wines, but it varies considerably according to the appellations, châteaux, and vintages. The grands crus classés of the Médoc — Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien — are the kings of longevity: the finest vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2010, or 2016 can be kept and continue to develop for 20 to 40 years, or even longer for the great growths. The wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, dominated by Merlot, generally reach their peak earlier, between 10 and 25 years depending on the producer. Regional appellation Bordeaux or Côtes de Bordeaux wines, for their part, are designed to be enjoyed in their youth, ideally within 5 to 8 years of their vintage. To optimise ageing, a cellar with a stable temperature between 12 and 14°C, away from light and vibrations, with a humidity level of around 70%, is essential. Patience remains the foremost quality of the Bordeaux collector.

Bordeaux - Buy Great Bordeaux Wines & Old Vintages (9)

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110171

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Latour Martillac 1937

€375.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€312.50 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110242

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Marquis de Terme 1973

€150.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€125.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110212

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Montbrun 1959

€270.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€225.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110213

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 93/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Estèphe

Montrose 1959

€780.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€650.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110236

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Pape Clément 1968

€320.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€266.67 ex-VAT

2 in stock

Réf : 110235

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Pape Clément 1968

€320.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€266.67 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110269

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Robert Parker WA : 87/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Troplong Mondot 1985

€180.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€150.00 ex-VAT

-5%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110418

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Beauséjour Bécot 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€91.20 inc-VAT per bottle €96.00 inc-VAT -5%

€76.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 110409

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Robert Parker WA : 90/100

Revue du Vin de France : 16/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Troplong Mondot 1988

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€130.00 ex-VAT

9 in stock

Réf : 110484

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Robert Parker WA : 89+/100

Wine Spectator : 90/100

Revue du Vin de France : 15.5/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 16.5/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Beychevelle 2008

€102.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€85.00 ex-VAT

3 in stock

Réf : 110497

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Robert Parker WA : 91/100

Wine Spectator : 90/100

Revue du Vin de France : 17.5/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 16.5/20

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Malartic Lagravière 2008

€57.60 inc-VAT per bottle

€48.00 ex-VAT

6 in stock

Réf : 110571

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : Original wood case - Sold by 6

Robert Parker WA : 96/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Angélus 2019 OWC

€318.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€265.00 ex-VAT

6 in stock

Réf : 110778

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : Original wood case - Sold by 6

Wine Spectator : 93/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Bellevue Mondotte 2021 OWC

€102.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€85.00 ex-VAT

12 in stock

Réf : 110775

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : Original wood case - Sold by 12

Robert Parker WA : 89/100

Wine Spectator : 90/100

Revue du Vin de France : 16.5/20

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

La Pointe 2016 OWC

€42.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€35.00 ex-VAT

12 in stock

Réf : 110769

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : Original wood case - Sold by 6

Robert Parker WA : 98/100

Wine Spectator : 94/100

Revue du Vin de France : 19/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 18/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Troplong Mondot 2010 OWC

€162.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€135.00 ex-VAT

-10%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 111078

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Brane Cantenac 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

€129.60 inc-VAT per bottle €144.00 inc-VAT -10%

€108.00 ex-VAT

12 in stock

Réf : 111122

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : original wood case - Sold by 12

Robert Parker WA : 90/100

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Tertre 2001 OWC

€66.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€55.00 ex-VAT

7 in stock

Réf : 111152

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Bettane et Desseauve : 15.5/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Grand Corbin 2009

€42.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€35.00 ex-VAT

12 in stock

Réf : 111161

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : original wood case - Sold by 12

Robert Parker WA : 95/100

Wine Spectator : 96/100

Revue du Vin de France : 15/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 18.5/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Pavie 2014 OWC

€272.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€226.67 ex-VAT

6 in stock

Réf : 111180

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : Original wood case - Sold by 6

Robert Parker WA : 99/100

Wine Spectator : 98/100

Revue du Vin de France : 20/20

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Bordeaux | Pauillac

Lafite Rothschild 2016 OWC

€780.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€650.00 ex-VAT

6 in stock

Réf : 111181

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very slightly damaged

Robert Parker WA : 97+/100

Revue du Vin de France : 18/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 18.5/20

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Evangile 2015

€234.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€195.00 ex-VAT

6 in stock

Réf : 111182

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : original wood case - Sold by 6

Robert Parker WA : 96+/100

Wine Spectator : 95/100

Revue du Vin de France : 19/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 17/20

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Bordeaux | Pauillac

Lafite Rothschild 2015 OWC

€708.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€590.00 ex-VAT

6 in stock

Réf : 111183

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Info : original wood case - Sold by 6

Robert Parker WA : 91/100

Wine Spectator : 94/100

Revue du Vin de France : 17.5/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 18/20

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Bordeaux | Pauillac

Lafite Rothschild 2012 OWC

€612.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€510.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 111456

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Robert Parker WA : 89/100

Revue du Vin de France : 17/20

Bettane et Desseauve : 17/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

L'Arrosée 2006

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€45.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 111540

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very slightly damaged

Robert Parker WA : 98/100

Wine Spectator : 94/100

Revue du Vin de France : 19/20

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Eglise Clinet 2016

€276.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€230.00 ex-VAT

4 in stock

Réf : 111621

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Brane Cantenac 1975

€144.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€120.00 ex-VAT

-10%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 111620

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Brane Cantenac 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

€129.60 inc-VAT per bottle €144.00 inc-VAT -10%

€108.00 ex-VAT

-10%

2 in stock

Réf : 111622

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 90/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Estèphe

Calon Ségur 1976 -10% DISCOUNT !

€172.80 inc-VAT per bottle €192.00 inc-VAT -10%

€144.00 ex-VAT

-10%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 111629

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Haute épaule

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Canon 1973 -10% DISCOUNT !

€129.60 inc-VAT per bottle €144.00 inc-VAT -10%

€108.00 ex-VAT

-20%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 111631

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Mi épaule

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Canon 1973 -20% DISCOUNT !

€115.20 inc-VAT per bottle €144.00 inc-VAT -20%

€96.00 ex-VAT

-5% by 3

DISCOUNT

22 in stock

Réf : 111632

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Cap de Mourlin 1978

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€75.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 111751

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Top Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Dauzac 1983

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€75.00 ex-VAT

-10%

2 in stock

Réf : 111752

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Ducru Beaucaillou 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€140.40 inc-VAT per bottle €156.00 inc-VAT -10%

€117.00 ex-VAT

-10%

1 in stock

Réf : 111753

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Top Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 87/100

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Eglise Clinet 1982 -10% DISCOUNT !

€237.60 inc-VAT per bottle €264.00 inc-VAT -10%

€198.00 ex-VAT

2 in stock

Réf : 111776

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Fonroque 1981

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€60.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 111775

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Top Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Fonroque 1981

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€60.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 111774

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Fonroque 1981

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€60.00 ex-VAT

-10%

7 in stock

Réf : 111782

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Bailly 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

€172.80 inc-VAT per bottle €192.00 inc-VAT -10%

€144.00 ex-VAT

10 in stock

Réf : 111802

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Lagrange à Pomerol 1975

€144.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€120.00 ex-VAT

-10%

5 in stock

Réf : 111810

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 93/100

Wine Spectator : 91/100

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Latour à Pomerol 1970 -10% DISCOUNT !

€259.20 inc-VAT per bottle €288.00 inc-VAT -10%

€216.00 ex-VAT

3 in stock

Réf : 111814

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Top Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Léoville Poyferré 1975

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€130.00 ex-VAT

-10%

4 in stock

Réf : 111826

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Mazeyres 1982 -10% DISCOUNT !

€75.60 inc-VAT per bottle €84.00 inc-VAT -10%

€63.00 ex-VAT

-10%

5 in stock

Réf : 111827

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 89/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Estèphe

Montrose 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

€122.40 inc-VAT per bottle €136.00 inc-VAT -10%

€102.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 111835

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Pape Clément 1976

€192.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€160.00 ex-VAT

-10%

3 in stock

Réf : 111836

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Pape Clément 1976 -10% DISCOUNT !

€172.80 inc-VAT per bottle €192.00 inc-VAT -10%

€144.00 ex-VAT

Pichon Longueville Baron 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

-10%

3 in stock

Réf : 111840

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pauillac

Pichon Longueville Baron 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

€151.20 inc-VAT per bottle €168.00 inc-VAT -10%

€126.00 ex-VAT

-10%

19 in stock

Réf : 111844

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Rauzan Ségla 1975 -10% DISCOUNT !

€129.60 inc-VAT per bottle €144.00 inc-VAT -10%

€108.00 ex-VAT

12 in stock

Réf : 111852

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Info : High macaron

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Smith Haut Lafitte 1975

€120.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€100.00 ex-VAT

-10%

3 in stock

Réf : 111866

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Info : High macaron

Wine Spectator : 86/100

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Brion 1967 -10% DISCOUNT!

€351.00 inc-VAT per bottle €390.00 inc-VAT -10%

€292.50 ex-VAT

-5%

12 in stock

Réf : 111873

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High of the engraving

Robert Parker WA : 92/100

Wine Spectator : 90/100

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Brion 1970 -5% DISCOUNT!

€387.60 inc-VAT per bottle €408.00 inc-VAT -5%

€323.00 ex-VAT

-10%

3 in stock

Réf : 111872

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Mid macaron

Robert Parker WA : 92/100

Wine Spectator : 90/100

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Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Brion 1970 -10% DISCOUNT!

€367.20 inc-VAT per bottle €408.00 inc-VAT -10%

€306.00 ex-VAT