The Left Bank of Bordeaux
The Left Bank and Right Bank are two Bordeaux winemaking regions separated by an estuary and two rivers. The Left Bank stretches across the northern and southern regions, encompassing the renowned Médoc, situated to the north of Bordeaux. The four most distinguished appellations in this area, listed from north to south, are St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien, and Margaux.
In addition to these prestigious appellations, the Left Bank also includes the appellations of Haut-Médoc, Listrac-Médoc, and Moulis-en-Médoc. Moving southward, it extends further to encompass Pessac-Léognan and Graves, along with the delightful Sauternes and Barsac whose sweet wines are renowned for their delectable flavours.
The difference between Left Bank and Right Banks wines is their assemblage, simply put, their blend. Left Bank wines are generally Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, whilst Right Bank wines are dominated by Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec tend to feature in blends from both Banks.
We've picked out a few of our favourite Left Bank wines from the Marlo range... let us know what you think!
Whilst you read... why not put on our Bordeaux Left Bank playlist on Spotify? It's filled with top tracks to get you in the mood for a bit of Claret. You can listen to the playlist by clicking here.
2019 La Chapelle de Potensac
Medoc
Introduced in 2002 by Jean-Hubert Delon, the mastermind behind the legendary Leoville Las Cases, La Chapelle de Potensac emerged as the second label of Château Potensac, a prominent Château in Cru Bourgeois Bordeaux. Benefiting from identical winemaking precision and dedication as its counterpart, this wine exemplifies the remarkable quality and value of a second wine.
2019 La Chapelle de Potensac is a quintessential claret from the northern Medoc, made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This wine exemplifies balance, structure, elegance and ageing potential.
Medium-bodied, fresh and floral packed full of bright red fruit with blackberry and chocolate aromas.
FOOD PAIRING: All In One Beef Chilli with Chocolate, Rukmini Iyer.
Segla 2017
Margaux
Nestled between the estuary and the Atlantic, Chateau Rauzan-Ségla is one of Margaux's most magical wine estates. Over the centuries the Chateau has witnessed some of the most remarkable events in French history. Once a powerful estate that belonged to the noble House of Gassies, the chateau is one of the few world-famous edifices that survive. During the early 1980s, the sale of Rauzan-Ségla marked the onset of a new era. The renowned Professor Peynaud took on a role as a consultant, leading to significant changes.
This included a heightened proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, as well as an increased use of new oak during the maturation process. In 1986, the estate saw the construction of a state-of-the-art cuverie.Through the mid to late 1980s and into the early 1990s, a series of remarkable wines were crafted at Rauzan-Ségla. In a transformative move, Chanel acquired Rauzan-Ségla in 1994, setting a new course for the estate's future.
FOOD PAIRING: Crispy Duck Tacos with Plum Sauce, Gressingham Duck.
2012 Chateau Lafon Rochet
Saint-Estèphe
Château Lafon-Rochet, a renowned Bordeaux winery, traces its origins to the 17th century when it was established by the Lafon family. The estate gained prominence in 1855 when it was classified as a Fourth Growth under the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. In the 20th century, it faced decline until the Tesseron family acquired and revitalized it in 1960. The Tesserons invested in modernizing the vineyard and winery, significantly enhancing wine quality. Today, Château Lafon-Rochet is celebrated for producing exceptional Saint-Estèphe wines, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.
The 2012 Lafon-Rochet is quite high-toned on the nose with black plum, iodine, violet and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and juicy ripe black fruit with a silky texture. It’s pretty rich and sweet towards the finish, with veins of blue fruit. The 2012 is showy, sweet and delicious - a classy bottle of wine.
FOOD PAIRING: Steak Sandwich with Peperonata, Cashel Blue Butter and Toasted Hazelnuts.
2013 Chateau Batailley
Pauillac
Château Batailley, a prestigious Bordeaux winery in the Pauillac appellation, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The estate was named after a battle fought on its grounds during the Hundred Years' War. In 1855, it was classified as a Fifth Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. The property was owned by the Saint-Martin family before passing to the Castéja family in the 20th century. Under their stewardship, the château has maintained its reputation for producing high-quality wines, known for their structure and longevity.
The 2013 Château Batailley is a refined Pauillac wine, offering aromas of dark berries, cedar, and tobacco. On the palate, it features well-integrated tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and earthy notes. This vintage is approachable yet complex, reflecting the château's classic elegance.
FOOD PAIRING: Red Wine Braised Short-Ribs
2019 Chateau Talbot
Saint-Julien
Château Talbot, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, has a storied history dating back to the 15th century. Named after Sir John Talbot, an English warrior of the Hundred Years' War, the estate was classified as a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. The Cordier family acquired it in 1918, significantly enhancing its reputation and quality. Known for its elegant and age-worthy wines, Château Talbot combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations, maintaining its status as a respected and iconic Bordeaux estate.
The 2019 Château Talbot is a distinguished Saint-Julien wine, showcasing aromas of blackberry, cassis, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers refined tannins, balanced acidity, and flavours of dark fruit, spice, and subtle earthiness. This vintage is elegant and well-structured, promising excellent aging potential.
FOOD PAIRING: Steak Tartare