Here’s why Bordeaux is at the top of our fall wine list

While summer calls for sipping rosé on a patio, the rainy season is slowly setting in. And you know what that means: staying in with either Netflix or a good book and sipping on a glass of red or white wine.

And none is finer than a glass of Bordeaux.

These wines come from Bordeaux, France, and are among the most famous wine blends in the world. The region is commonly associated with red wines. However, although 90% of Bordeaux wines are made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, white Bordeaux wines exist! And they’re actually known as being very crisp and refreshing.

While the name “Bordeaux” elicits elegant (and highly coveted!) vibes, what many people seem to get wrong about the wine is that it’s expensive and out of reach.

But this doesn’t always have to be the case. Although Bordeaux wines can lean towards the pricier side, there are definitely some affordable options on the market.

We’ve teamed up with BC Liquor Stores to tell you about eight exceptional Bordeaux wines (ranging from $25 to $1,500, so there’s something suitable for every budget) from the highly anticipated 2016 Bordeaux release on September 28, picked by their Master of Wine, Barbara Philip. Pick a bottle for your next dinner party and let the compliments, conversation, and wine flow.

Château Jouanin

Price: $25

Not all Bordeaux is expensive and needs to be kept in the cellar. Showing fresh and ripe dark fruit flavours with excellent depth of character, this bottle is ready to drink right now — so try it with something like spicy lentils!

Château de France Blanc

Price: $45

Imagine the crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc and the creamy mouthfeel of Semillon and you have a White Bordeaux. Look for expressions of white flowers, toasty brioche, ripe stone fruit, and refreshingly balanced acidity. Try with baked oysters.

Château Doisy-Védrines

Price: $50

Think of it as a sweet treat from Bordeaux, with a luscious mouthfeel and intense concentration of candied peach, honey, and hints of ginger. Laser-sharp acidity helps to keep the palate fresh while the finish lingers intensely.

Château Vieux Maillet

Price: $70

This wine shows the vintage well. It opens on red berry, transitions to plum, and finishes long with licorice and spice. The Château Vieux Maillet is clean and powerful but will reward with time in the cellar.

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge

Price: $160

This Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend has big complexity in a small bottle. It has all the red and dark fruit you would expect, but also boasts an amazing array of other flavours such as cedar, sweet herbs, violets, and tea. Great now, but try holding for 8 to 10 years for maximum effect.

Château Haut-Bailly

Price: $250

The 2016 Haut-Bailly is a traditional Bordeaux: full-bodied and rich, as well as floral, herbal, and earthy. This wine features opulent cassis and black cherry wrapped in grippy tannins and wood spice with a long finish.

Château Cos d’Estournel

Price: $380

Bottled in 2018, this wine is one of the multiple 100 point wines available this release. The intricate nuances and interactions of fruit and barrel are on magnificent display in this stunning Left Bank offering. Blueberry, mocha, cassis, floral, cedar, and black tea all dance across the palate in perfect harmony!

Château Lafite Rothschild

Price: $1,500

This classic is a little closed right now but has all the hallmarks to become another epic wine from this First Growth Chateau. It has plenty of acidity, large chewy tannins, a dizzying array of fruit, and heaps of spice from the 100% new oak barrels. One for the ages!

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The 2016 Bordeaux release will be available at 32 BC Liquor Store locations as of September 28. If you’re interested in learning more or need help finding a great wine, check out BCLiquorStores.com, or chat with a Product Consultant at any of the Signature BC Liquor Stores.

Santé, please enjoy responsibly.