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 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
97 points
$95
Mira Winery
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
A plush, seamless Napa Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest hedonic order.
Awards: 2025 Top 2 Cabernet Sauvignon
97 points $95
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Jarvis 2021 Cabernet Franc
96 points
$245
Jarvis
2021 Cabernet Franc
This luxurious, earthy Cab Franc delivers textbook cherry-herb flavors with Napa opulence; a head turner for what this Bordeaux-Loire varietal can achieve in Napa.
96 points $245
» 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:
Pend d’Oreille 2022 LOeuvre Reserve Red Blend Columbia Valley
95 points
$36
Pend d’Oreille
2022 L'Oeuvre Reserve Red Blend Columbia Valley
Beautifully balanced, you taste why Bordeaux is the king of blends, voluptuous Merlot, stately Cab Sauv, the dried herbs of Cab Franc, Malbec's dark juiciness and the ping of violets from Petit Verdot.
95 points $36
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
AvinoDos 2021 Single Vineyard Founders Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
95 points
$120
AvinoDos
2021 Single Vineyard Founder's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
A decadent, yet delicate Diamond Mountain Cabernet with deep wells of fruit, judicious spicy oak, and pitch perfect minerality to tie it all together; the total package.
95 points $120
» 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:
The Beau Vigne Collection 2024 Cult Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$125
The Beau Vigne Collection
2024 Cult Cabernet Sauvignon
A silky and seamless Napa Cabernet with ample fruit, judicious oak, and chewy tannins on a long finish; enjoy now with a great cut of steak, or cellar for a few years and it will reward your patience.
94 points $125
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Mira Winery 2018 M-Bar Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$185
Mira Winery
2018 M-Bar Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
Bright, juicy, dry and exceptionally well-balanced, this Cabernet Sauvignon that shows its fruit, ageability and structure well.
94 points $185
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Jarvis 2019 Petit Verdot
94 points
$255
Jarvis
2019 Petit Verdot
Opulent fruit is balanced with violet, soft tannins and chocolate in this concentrated, laser-focused single varietal.
94 points $255
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted: