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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
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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
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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
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Date Tasted:
Braganini 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc
96 points
$26
Braganini
2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc
Outside of Chinon, one of the best examples of Cab Franc encountered in quite some time.
Awards: '2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Vinifera Red Wine' 2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Governor's Case Best Red 2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Governor's Cup Winner
96 points $26
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot
95 points
$24
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2020 Merlot
Juicy red fruits meld with balanced espresso and cocoa tones from the French oak; an exceptionally well crafted new world Merlot.
95 points $24
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Date Tasted: