As the chill of winter settles over Australia, there's nothing quite like curling up with a good book, a roaring fire, and a glass of exquisite Bordeaux wine. Known for their complexity, elegance, and longevity, Bordeaux wines are perfect for these cold winter nights. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply a wine lover, here are some best high-quality Bordeaux selections offering great value that are sure to warm your heart and soul this Australian cold season.
Remarkable wine from Château La Caussade, quoted among the oldest and most famous vintages (Gold medal at the Universal Exhibition of Bordeaux in 1895 and Paris in 1900). This Bordeaux half Merlot, half Cabernet, very expressive with its generous bouquet of candied black fruits (blackcurrant) and spices, ample, full, fleshy in mouth, a kind but firm tannic structure to support. A wine of character, to drink with a meat sauce.
This is a serious Bordeaux that far outperforms its modest price tag. A beautiful Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend from the Estate’s best parcels in the Canon-Fronsac appellation. The nose is bright red fruits and hints of fresh flowers, the palate builds to a darker fruit core with elegant tannin and a lush round texture. The Cabernet Franc component can be seen in the freshly herbal finish. It was fermented in concrete to preserve aromatic freshness and was finished in French Oak.
Highly-recommended. A classic Bordeaux. Beautiful blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. "Strong notes or 5 spice, black plum, espresso, thyme and spearmint create the nose. On the palate the wine is round, fruity and fruity, finishing with sweet cherries and coffee bean in the finish." - 90 Points, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Medium ruby-red in color with slight purple touches at the rim. The aromas are fresh with a clean, plumy red-fruit character, a similar clean, red-fruit nature is seen on the palate. The wine has a smooth textured mid-palate with a light structure, whose fine tannins give a little grip right at the end. Acidity is fresh, alcohol is well in balance and the finish has a fair length. "Lovely crunchy cassis fruit – real freshness and elegance for a Médoc. Very good second wine." - Decanter Magazine
Old school - 50's style Bordeaux! Organic. Biodynamic.This very traditionally-styled Bordeaux from Chateau Massereau is the real deal. A blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc & 10% Petit Verdot.
Medium plus bodied and dry, earthy with bramble fruit, notes of blackberry, black currant, grape jelly, cedar and graphite, hints of eucalyptus and spice, pepper and cigar box, with medium acid, and full smooth dry tannins.
58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Pale crimson. Savory, well-integrated nose. Gentle and light tannins but very correct balance. Still quite dry on the end. A bit rusty nail. Juicy start. "This is turning into an impressive wine as it finds its way between solid tannins and ripe, full black fruits. It is dark and dense at this stage with tannins that dominate. A more juicy character will develop as the wine ages. Drink from 2017." 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
A splendid blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. From 50 to 60-year-old vines on clay, gravel and limestone, this relaxed, fully mature Graves is a delight. This family-run estate uses almost no additives and minimal intervention in winemaking, to great results. Manual harvest with meticulous sorting. Vatting 4 to 6 weeks in cement vats, pouring in mid-November. Aging in barrels, 1/3 renewed every year.
"Lots of graphite and ripe fruit on the nose and palate with a medium to full body, round and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows excellent potential." 92-93 points, James Suckling
"A Merlot-dominant wine from clay-limestone soils in St-Seurin-de-Cadourne, owned by the Miailhe family.Touches of vanilla smoke on the aromatics show an oak influence, with a dominance of red fruits. Needs another few years to soften, with plenty of promise. Drink: 2022-2032." 90 points, Jane Anson, Decanter Magazine
A classic Bordeaux. A beautifully balanced wine with a complex flavor profile that showcases the unique terroir of the region. The fine tannins and notes of fresh fruit and toasted oak make it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Right blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, the wine reveals notes of fleshy cassis, fresh red berries and a hint of raspberry, with a subtle hint of blackberry, violet, toasted oak, spices, mocha and licorice. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced, silky and offers juiciness, freshness, as well as a certain deepness. The tannins are fine and there's good length.
A beautiful blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Château Camensac borders on the Saint-Julien appellation, in the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc. The vines are located on the commune’s finest gravelly rise. The topography is fairly steep and the pebble soil quite deep. The staff at Camensac is helped in their decisions by consulting oenologist Michel Rolland.
Enjoying Bordeaux wines during the Australian winter doesn't have to be an expensive affair. These top 10 highly-recommended Bordeaux wines of all price ranges offer excellent quality and value, allowing you to indulge in the rich flavors and aromas of this renowned wine region. So, stock up, pour yourself a glass, and savor the warmth and complexity of Bordeaux as you embrace the chill of winter.
