Frequently, the finest wines produced in all of Bordeaux hail from the unattractive, partly urbanized northern Graves appellation of Pessac-Léognan, home to Chateau Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. The character of the Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravelly soils of the Graves is, to the student of Bordeaux wines, quite distinct when compared to the Cabernet of the Medoc: Deep, tannic, and frequently opaque in appearance with pure black fruits and a distinct tobacco, cedar, and smoke quality. Haut-Brion and La Mission excepted, the red wines of Pessac-Léognan have never been as fashionable as those from the Medoc, yet they are now often every bit as good and can represent better value.

Pessac-Léognan also produces Bordeaux's finest dry white wine from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Pessac white wines are barrel fermented and oak aged and can often benefit from some years of cellaring. At their best these wines are concentrated, showing melon, citrus,and fig aromas and flavors which deepen with age. (Wine/Appellations)