Learn More

Groups
Categories
Countries

About Bordeaux Varietals

Bordeaux varietals is a term used to describe wines exclusively produced of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes. These wines can either be produced from 100% of a single varietal or a blend of 2 or even all 5 varietals. Carménère is sometimes also considered amongst the Bordeaux varietals, but most often this group is limited to just the 5 previously mentioned varietals. These varietals were original cultivars of the Bordeaux region of France where they thrived and were later transplanted around the world as far as the US, Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.

Top Picks for Bordeaux Varietals

Mira Winery 2012 Schweizer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
97 points
$300
Mira Winery
2012 Schweizer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Calls to mind some of the top Napa Cabs from the 1980's, does all of the right Napa things without going too far with the ripe fruit and barrels; quite special.
97 points $300
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Mira Winery 2021 Estate Petit Verdot
96 points
$95
Mira Winery
2021 Estate Petit Verdot
Dark fruit galore with the right amount of oak and a touch of violets, well built for a steak house dinner.
96 points $95
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Vineyard {511} 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
96 points
$159
Vineyard {511}
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
With mountain fruit that is purely delightful, this is just beginning to show some maturity but has a very long life ahead.
96 points $159
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Jarvis 2018 Estate Petit Verdot
96 points
$230
Jarvis
2018 Estate Petit Verdot
A black fruit backbone with dashes of green herbs and a whole field of purple flowers; this is exactly what Petit Verdot is supposed to be.
96 points $230
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Greyscale 2021 Merlot
95 points
$54
Greyscale
2021 Merlot
A seamless and stylish Napa Merlot with juicy ripe fruit and well balanced creamy, chocolate-y oak; sure to please as a sipper or with a fine well-aged steak.
95 points $54
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Jacob Franklin 2011 Single Barrel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
95 points
$150
Jacob Franklin
2011 Single Barrel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
A complex and layered savory Cabernet with Napa ripeness and Old World style and swagger with all four grapes playing their proper symphonic role.
95 points $150
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Mira Winery 2016 Hyde Vineyard Merlot
95 points
$75
Mira Winery
2016 Hyde Vineyard Merlot
An absolute delight; a fully ripe to the edge of brooding, red and black fruit loaded Merlot with just the right amount of oak.
95 points $75
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Vineyard {511} 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
95 points
$159
Vineyard {511}
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
A beautiful wine today with the rich oak character leaning towards dessert and the capacity to age for decades as it slowly shows more of its savory side.
95 points $159
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
95 points
$34
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2020 Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
An opulent Cabernet that will become more expressive with decanting or cellar age; bold ripe fruit and vanilla right now with an earthy palate.
95 points $34
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Cerro 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
95 points
$50
Cerro
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
A delicious and super supple Napa Cabernet that delights the palate with a panoply of fruit and oak flavors.
95 points $50
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted: