Bordeaux: Left Bank

The Left Bank is the land of giants. Stretching north from the city of Bordeaux along the Gironde estuary, this is the spiritual home of Cabernet Sauvignon and the birthplace of the legendary 1855 Classification.

The secret here lies in the soil: deep, free-draining gravel dunes that force the vines to struggle, resulting in wines of immense concentration, tannic structure, and architectural precision. These are wines built for the long haul—"Iron fists in velvet gloves.

The Left Bank Profile: Cabernet is King

Left Bank wines are always Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to add complexity and texture. In their youth, they are firm and powerful, but with age, they reveal mesmerising secondary notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, cigar box, graphite, and dried blackcurrant.

Key Appellations to Explore:

The finest vineyards are concentrated in the Médoc, which includes the iconic commune appellations:

Pauillac: Known for power and structure, often described as masculine. Home to three First Growths (Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Latour).

St-Julien: Defined by balance and elegance, sitting perfectly between Pauillac and Margaux.

Margaux: Produces the most perfumed and delicate wines, characterized by a silken texture and floral aromas.

St-Estèphe: Known for its firm, sturdy structure and slightly rustic, savory character.

Further south, Pessac-Léognan produces highly respected wines with a distinct smoky, earthy character, often considered the most accessible in youth.

If you are looking for structure, complexity, and wines destined to evolve for decades, this collection is your definitive starting point.