Bordeaux: Right Bank

The Bordeaux: Right Bank is where Merlot achieves its greatest expression. Separated from the Left Bank by the Gironde and Dordogne rivers, this region is defined by its cooler clay and limestone soils, which are ideally suited for ripening Merlot and Cabernet Franc. While the Left Bank offers structure and power, the Right Bank provides immediate pleasure and velvety opulence. These wines are generally rounder, fruit-forward, and often accessible much earlier, though the best examples still age beautifully.

The Right Bank Profile: Plushness and Elegance

Right Bank wines are almost always Merlot dominant, often supported by high percentages of Cabernet Franc. This combination yields a softer entry and a profile rich in notes of dark plum, black cherry, cocoa, licorice and sweet spice. The tannins are typically rounder and smoother than their Left Bank siblings.

Key Appellations to Explore:

The undisputed stars of the Right Bank are two neighboring appellations:

St-Émilion: The largest and most complex region, known for its diversity of soil (clay, sand, and limestone plateau). Its wines combine Merlot's plushness with Cabernet Franc's signature lift and finesse. St-Émilion uses an innovative, non-fixed classification system that is re-visited every 10 years.

Pomerol: Though unclassified, Pomerol contains some of the world's most expensive and highly-sought-after wines (like Pétrus and Le Pin). These tiny estates produce wines of extraordinary richness, concentration, and truffle-like complexity.

Other important areas include Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac, which offer fantastic value with a similar Merlot-based profile.

If you prefer wines that are immediately plush, soft on the palate, and dominated by rich dark fruit, the Right Bank is for you.