France — wine
Bordeaux
World's largest fine wine region. Two banks of the Gironde: Left Bank (Cabernet dominant — power, structure, 20–50 year cellaring) and Right Bank (Merlot dominant — more accessible). The 1855 Classification of the Médoc remains the most famous wine hierarchy in existence. The Place de Bordeaux négociant system and en primeur (futures) define global fine wine trade.
Sub-regions
Benchmark products
Vintage assessments
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 86 | Very good warm vintage. Across the board quality high. Good value year. |
| 2020 | 87 | Good. Reliable quality. Entry-level Bordeaux very good in this well-managed vintage. |
| 2019 | 88 | Very good. Strong across all levels. Petits châteaux producing excellent value wines. |
| 2018 | 89 | Excellent quality across Bordeaux. Second and third tier châteaux benefiting from exceptional growing season. |
| 2016 | 88 | Very good across the broad Bordeaux appellation. The 2016 century vintage quality trickled to all levels. |