Luxurious Left
Thanks to the official classification of 1855, the Left Bank of Bordeaux is home to some of the most illustrious wine-producing names in the industry. Instructed by Napoleon III, the French Chamber of Commerce classified the best French wines to be presented at the Paris exhibition in 1855. Incredibly, it is not only the most famous wine classification in the world but has remained so for more than 160 years.
But you don’t have to look towards the top shelf to find high-quality Bordeaux offerings. In the Left Bank, you can find small, family-run estates with history going back to the Middle Ages. Here are a few wines we've personally hand-selected by tasting them at the vineyards and châteaux to ensure you receive the absolute best quality and value.
Purchase wines individually or 2 of each for $339.94
Château Bouqueuyran 2015
57% Merlot 43% Cabernet Sauvignon
Moulis $46.99 per bottle
Bernique de Bouqueyran owned the property from 1465 to 1475. The lords of Bouqueyran have long disappeared, only the nobility of its vineyard remains. The finesse and elegance of its wines had made it a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur.
NOSE
Violets, cedar, cherry and berry.
TASTE
Big, easy drinking with tons of fruit. Structured and balanced with lovely layers of vanilla and cedar.
PAIRING
Slow-braised ribs with roasted potatoes.
Châtetau Ladignac 2014
62% Cabernet Sauvignon 38% Merlot
Médoc $38.99 per bottle
A gold medal winner from the small town of Bégadan, just north of Saint Éstephe. Tremendous value for a truly decadent expression of the Médoc terroir.
NOSE
Dark cherries and berries with elegantly integrated nuances of oak.
TASTE
Fabulous structure and length from a very good vintage. Full and round with flavours of red and blackberries.
PAIRING
Lamb shoulder stew with fennel, carrot and peas.
Château Moulin de la Rose 2014
65% Cabernet Sauvignon 35% Merlot
Saint-Julien $83.99 per bottle
Half of the estate’s name is due to the former presence of a mill, and the other half linked with a knight named Chevalier Larose, who owned neighbouring great growth, Château Gruaud Larose in the 18th century.
NOSE
Delicate power and elegance. Give ample time to decant.
TASTE
Red and black fruits. Ripe, crispy tannins and a lovely, long finish.
PAIRING
Charred rib eye with broccolini and sauteed garlic.
Check out our interview with Jean Francois Delon, the winemaker at
Château Moulin de la Rose in Saint-Julien.