From Splurges to Steals, These Bordeaux Wines Are Thrilling

• By WineBottleMag
• December 1, 2025
• Bordeaux Splurges Steals Thrilling Wines
• With 0 comments

Spread across 234,000 acres, Bordeaux has the largest continuous vineyard area in the world. It takes nearly three hours to drive from one end to the other, past mile upon miles of vineyards, generally meticulously maintained. While wine quality varies, even the region’s lowliest wine is now very drinkable.

At the heart of Bordeaux is the city. Anyone imagining a pretty village will be astonished by the urban area of over a million people. The Bordeaux city center is, after Paris, the most beautiful in France, a medieval quarter next to an 18^th and 19^th century area. The banks and quays of the Garonne river are now a destination in their own right, as is the futuristic, eight-story Cité du Vin wine and cultural center. 

Despite the potential confusion of its 58 appellations, Bordeaux’s geography can neatly be divided into two: Left Bank and Right Bank. These terms refer to the banks of the Garonne river and the Gironde estuary. Along with the Dordogne river, these major waterways have a huge influence on soils and climate, as well as where grape varieties are predominantly grown. 

The Left Bank consists of low-lying, mainly gravel soils that help drainage and keep the vineyards warm. The late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon is at home here, producing the finest wines of the Médoc (including Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux) and the Graves (Pessac-Léognan and Graves) regions.

The Right Bank is more hilly, with rolling hills in the Entre-deux-Mers region (between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers) and escarpments and plateaus in the prestigious regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. In this drier climate, where clay soils are dominant, the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties are comfortably at home.

Classifying Bordeaux

There are around 7,000 individual wineries in Bordeaux, so learning all the names can be daunting. Thankfully, there are many classifications that make life easier, all of which are identified on labels.

At the top of the tree are the Crus Classeés, the classed growths of the Left Bank. There are 61 red wine estates in the Médoc and Graves, divided into five levels (from the famed First Growths at the top). Established in 1855, and only changed once since, this classification also includes 27 estates producing the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac.

A rung below the Crus Classés in the Médoc are the Crus Bourgeois, which is reclassified every year. There are 170 estates in the 2025 classification, based on criteria that includes taste, visitor facilities, and traceability of the grapes in the wines. These properties are divided into Crus Bourgeois Exceptionels (14 estates and the best), 36 Crus Bourgeois Supérieurs, and Crus Bourgeois.

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Further south, Graves has its own classification of 16 estates, created in 1953 and never touched. All the Graves classified properties are in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

Across Bordeaux, in Saint Émilion, there is a classification of estates that is made every 10 years and provides a benchmark of quality. Look for Premier Grand Cru Classé and Grand Cru Classé. Always contentious, with lawsuits flying from estates that are being demoted, the next classification is 2032.

Table of Contents

Weather Report

Bordeaux is close to the Atlantic and has an ocean climate. However, because of its size, the climate does vary. The vineyards closest to the ocean, in the Médoc, have a climate that is moister than that found in the more inland Saint-Émilion. Climate change is bringing warming, fewer cold spells in the winter with more rain in the spring, and increasing heat waves in the summer when temperatures can go over 100 degrees F.

Trend Report

A New Generation Takes the Lead

Despite its old-fashioned image, Bordeaux is perhaps the most technically advanced wine region in the world, both among the vines and in the cellar. This knowledge has spread throughout the wine business in Bordeaux, as a younger, more educated generation has taken over from its elders. The University of Bordeaux’s wine school is a training ground for vineyard managers and winemakers around the world, as well as in Bordeaux. Its research has meant that graduates enter work understanding the importance of the effects of climate change.

Sustainability and Biodiversity Reign Supreme

Bordeaux is 75% registered sustainable, which means that both the vines and the wineries are committed to reducing the environmental footprint and maintaining biodiversity. Increasing tree and hedge planting among the vines create a more friendly habitat for animals and birds. The spread of organic and biodynamic vineyards and the banning of herbicides have added to the welcoming environment.

Futurecast

Cabernets Will Steal the Show

Expect a decline in Merlot plantings and an increase in Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Merlot is increasingly suffering from climate change, causing high alcohols that give wines a pepper flavor and a lack of balance. The increase in the two Cabernets will provide red wines with extra structure without losing richness.

The Continued Rise of Dry Whites

Dry white Bordeaux has seen a significant boost in key exports, with the U.S. being the number one export market for this category. As global preferences veer towards white wines, Bordeaux’s excellent examples will only continue to garner attention.

What to Drink Right Now

Bordeaux Red Blends

These red wine recommendations feature two main types of blends: bottles based on Cabernet Sauvignon (mainly Left Bank) and those based on Merlot and Cabernet Franc (mainly Right Bank). These picks come from across the budget spectrum.

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

White Wines

With all the commotion around its reds, it is easy to forget that Bordeaux has a great tradition of white wines. Based on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, sometimes with the addition of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle, many of these whites have tremendous aging potential, and others are simply enjoyable, drinkable, and great value.

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

Dessert Wines

Dessert wines are the secret glory of Bordeaux. Though they are unsung and unfashionable, they can be superb. Made using grapes that have noble rot that develops in the fall, the greatest examples come from Sauternes and neighboring Barsac.

Wine Enthusiast recommends:

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