Bordeaux-style Red Blend
Bordeaux-style Blends are a style of wine rather than an individual variety. The five classic red grapes used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Typically, Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot are the main components in the blend, with smaller percentages of the other three varieties. Bordeaux-style blends may also be labeled Meritage or Claret. Though there is a regional name attached to this listing, not all wines categorized as Bordeaux-style Blends are from Bordeaux; in fact, Bordeaux-style Blends are produced all over the world. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Bordeaux-style Blends among our extensive Bordeaux-style Blend wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Bordeaux-style Blend reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made in the Bordeaux style, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Estancia 2007 Reserve Meritage (Paso Robles)
- $31
Lots of rich blackberry, currant, cedar and spice flavors in this dry wine, and it’s firm in finely ground tannins. Shows some acerbic sharpness throughout, especially when you swallow. Drink now.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
Château Monte Christo 2004 Cuvée Edmond Dantes Red (Saint-Émilion)
- Online Exclusive
A soft, spicy wine, with a slight farmyard character alongside light acidity. Mushrooms, smokiness and sweet vegetables are developing as the wine matures. Drink now.
— R.V.
(12/15/2010)
Serrera 2008 Del Pecado Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec (Mendoza)
- Online Exclusive
- $12
Starts out rubbery and gaseous, but airing helps it along. The palate is regular in feel, with no glaring faults, while the flavors of berry fruits, oak and herbal shadings are easygoing. Finishes with toast, herbal notes and a mild baked sweetness.
— M.S.
(3/1/2011)
Viña el Aromo 2007 Barrel Selection Red (Maule Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $19
Fiery cherry/berry aromas mix with leather, herbal scents and mocha. The palate is angular and mildly sharp, with zesty red fruit, pepper and herbal flavors. A driving, acid-propelled blend of Cabernet Sauvignon along with Carmenère and Petit Verdot.
— M.S.
(12/1/2010)
Kestrel 2005 Signature Edition Raptor Red (Yakima Valley)
- $60
The Raptor Red, made in limited quantities, is Kestrel’s most expensive wine. It’s an interesting Bordeaux blend, and incorporates some old vine fruit. Subtle flavors include a rich mix of fresh herbs, earth and lightly-ripened berries, swathed in substantial new oak.
— P.G.
(11/1/2010)
Château de Gironville 2008 Red (Haut-Médoc)
- Online Exclusive
A wine that relishes its juicy fruit and acidity. The tannins, by contrast, are light. Close to Macau, south of Margaux, Gironville is in a fresh, black currant-fruit style, not for aging.
— R.V.
(12/31/2010)
Nadia 2006 Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard Red (Santa Barbara County)
- $35
A little rugged in the mouth, with some fierce tannins, but otherwise a pretty good Cabernet-based wine. The berry-cherry and currant flavors will benefit from an hour or two of airing.
— S.H.
(2/1/2011)
Bodega Vistandes 2005 Gradum Reserve Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
- $14
Earthy and spicy on the nose, with tomato and raisin but also some herbal green, which is likely attributable to the 50% Cabernet in this Malbec-CS blend. Tame on the palate, with tomatoey notes and dry raspberry flavors. Simple and pleasant but more herbal and less exciting that Gradum’s straight ’05 Malbec.
— M.S.
(5/1/2011)
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