Region Details
Bordeaux is France's largest quality wine region, indeed producing almost as much wine as Australia. Its westerly position ensures a mild maritime climate, a long growing season and mild summers; rains in the autumn are the primary threat to the harvest, dampening expectations in around one year in three. Red wine predominates - indeed many white wine vines are being uprooted today - with Merlot the dominant variety. The region is dissected by the Gironde estuary, with on the Left Bank the district appellations of the Médoc and the Graves and on the Right Bank, those of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol amongst others. Sauternes is made in the south of the region. The notable red and sweet wines were classified in 1855 according to their then status. At that time not a single Pomerol or Saint-Emilion was deemed worthy despite their historic traditions, and only a single Graves wine. In the last few decades first Saint-Emilion and then Pomerol have become intensely fashionable, their usually small production guaranteeing a premium for scarcity.
Vintage Notes
1986 - Bordeaux
Dry summer conditions permitted the accumulation of rich tannins which for a decade concealed the fruit within. A slow-maturing vintage in all appellations, with top châteaux having an almost indefinite potential. Pauillac, St-Julien and St-Estèphe classed growths remain impressive, and there are a number of potent margaux. The vintage suited the Left Bank over the Right, yet Pomerol produced some classic, structured wines which are still in good form.
.
