A Bordeaux Blend refers to a wine style inspired by the traditional red wines of Bordeaux, France. It typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec or Carménère. These wines are renowned for their balance of structure, softness, and aromatic complexity, often featuring flavors of blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, and herbal notes, with firm tannins and excellent aging potential. Bordeaux blends are produced globally, with notable examples from California, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, where they are sometimes referred to as Meritage wines.
Below are the top-ranked Bordeaux Blend wines from the 2024 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC).
Top Bordeaux Blends from the 2024 SFIWC
M.Coz 2019 Napa Valley Meritage (Best Premium Bordeaux >$25): Aromas of black cherry, cocoa, and herbs. The palate is full-bodied and complex, featuring layers of ripe berries, chocolate, and oak, with a long and well-balanced finish.
Prothro Family Wines 2021 Cuvee No. 7 Broken Rock Vineyard Red Wine: Dark berries, graphite, and vanilla. A smooth yet structured tannic backbone with concentrated fruit and spice. The finish is long and silky.
Ron Yates 2019 Amalgamation Friesen Vineyards Red Blend: Aromas of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, and dried tobacco leaf. The palate is full-bodied with balanced acidity, featuring dark fruit, chocolate, and spice.
Maryhill Winery 2021 Reserve Serendipity: Blackberry, ripe cherry, and subtle floral notes. Rich and full-bodied with blackcurrant, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Rodney Strong Vineyards 2019 Symmetry Red Blend: Black cherry, plum, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Silky and complex with well-integrated tannins and brisk acidity.
Best Non-Bordeaux Inspired Red Blends
Francis Ford Coppola Pitagora 2021 Red Blend (Best Premium Non-Bordeaux>$25): Red and black fruits, cinnamon, cedar, blackberry, raspberry, and chocolate with a touch of spice.
Catena Alamos 2021 Red Blend (Best Non Bordeaux Blend <$25): Plum, blackberry, and floral notes. Juicy and vibrant with balanced acidity and dark fruit and spice.
Cellardoor Winery 2019 Aurora Red Wine: Bright, layered red fruit with a smooth, balanced structure.
Effingham Kings Ransom 2021 Reserve Blend: Bright cherry, dark plum, and herbal nuances. Medium-bodied with layers of red berries, earthy tones, and subtle spice.
Winery at La Grange 2022 Apparition Red Blend: Ripe red fruits, vanilla, and cedar. Well-balanced with flavors of cherry, blackberry, and baking spice.Francis Ford Coppola Eleanor 2021 Red Blend: Black currant, violets, and toasted spices. Full-bodied with dark berries, cocoa, and leather notes.
Red wine blends, especially Bordeaux-style wines, remain a staple in the global wine market. They offer a rich spectrum of flavors, a structured tannic backbone, and versatile food-pairing potential. Whether enjoyed with cheese, roasted meats, or hearty stews, these wines deliver complexity and elegance at various price points.