($54): The wines from the 2008 vintage in Bordeaux are overlooked because they were firm upon release and were followed by the opulent and immediately appealing 2009s and then the refined and stylish 2010s.  But, as is always the case, talented producers, such as Château Phélan-Ségur, make excellent wines even in less revered years. … Read more

($17): This, the second wine of Château Castera, a property classified as one of the Cru Bourgeois of Médoc, shows the value of Bordeaux.  The current owners acquired Château Castera in1986 from famed Bordeaux merchant and property owner, Alexis Lichine.  The last 30 years have seen enormous renovations in the winery and the vineyards that explain the current high level of quality, even of their second wine. … Read more

($21): This property, classified as a Cru Bourgeois, a category that accounts for less than 5 percent of all the properties in Bordeaux, reinforces the idea that Bordeaux is, indeed, the place for value-packed red wines.  Less weighty and fruit-focused than California Merlot, this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc has a beguiling combination of fruitiness and earthiness supported by firm, but not aggressive, structure and uplifting acidity. … Read more

($23): This is the kind of wine that made Bordeaux famously popular in the past and could be the kind to revive people’s interest in Bordeaux.  Unusually charming for a young wine from St. Estèphe, it leads with herbal aromas followed by plenty of intensity without pandering to over ripeness. … Read more

($40): This wine shows that Bordeaux need not be super expensive nor put in the cellar for a decade or two before pulling the cork.  Its slightly burnt ash character identifies it as a wine from Pessac-Léognan, the prestigious subregion of Graves. … Read more

($20, Old Bridge Cellars): Although the producer is always the most important information on the label, sometimes the importer’s name makes me sit up and take notice.  For example, if Jeanne Marie de Champs’ name were on the back label, I would buy the wine. … Read more

($150, Sovereign Wine Imports): The 2005 vintage was exceptional in Bordeaux, and, indeed, throughout France.  The weather was perfect throughout the growing season.  The right amount of sun and the right amount of rain at the right time brought the grapes to perfect maturity. … Read more

($25): Montagne-Saint-Emilion, a “satellite” appellation of Saint-Emilion, lies adjacent to the north of that revered appellation.  The wines from this satellite are never as grand or complex, but then again they’re never as pricey.  Indeed, good values, such as Chateau Faizeau, are everywhere in Montagne-Saint Emilion, especially in a great year, such as 2010. … Read more

($20, Advantage International):  A Cru Bourgeois, which is a classification level just under the Cru Classé, Château Lestage Simon is an excellent example of what Bordeaux does very well.  It balances plenty lush fruit flavors (a predominance of Merlot speaking) with hints of savory notes and a lovely austerity. … Read more

($20):  Château Greysac, a consistently value-packed wine, is one of the most widely available Bordeaux in the U.S. marketplace. The 2009 is particularly successful because the fleshy ripe fruitiness and power of the vintage marries nicely with the savory, slightly bitter notes characteristic of wine from the Médoc.… Read more

($39): When consumers consider Bordeaux, they rightly remember the names of the chateaux more than the names of the people behind them.  Well, the name André Lurton is worth remembering because the Lurton family has a spectacular track record of producing excellent wines from a variety of properties all over Bordeaux. … Read more

($33):  White wine from Bordeaux is undervalued and overlooked. Don’t make that mistake with this charming example. It has a near magical combination of a pleasantly grassy pungency beautifully balanced by a lanolin-like creaminess. Truly mouth filling, it’s long and graceful as well. … Read more

($18, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants): Though I reviewed this wine earlier this year, I just tasted it again and realized I should repeat my earlier recommendation because it’s an especially good choice for the Thanksgiving table.  It’s a perfectly harmonized amalgam of lanolin-like texture (from Semillon, which comprises a majority of the blend), with the brightness and freshness of Sauvignon Blanc. … Read more

($19, Luneau USA / Nicolas Wines): Château La Gaffelière is one of the leading properties in Saint-Emilion, making sensational wine year in and year out.  As the competition at the top end of Bordeaux continues, the top properties make ever increasing severe selections to maintain the quality — and price — of the top wine. … Read more

($27, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits): This wine exemplifies why Bordeaux remains a benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based wine.  It’s not just about the fruit, of which there’s plenty.  But the real excitement comes from the non-fruit flavors of earth, herbs and ash, plus the slight bitterness in the long and fine finish. … Read more

($10, Esprit du Vin): Let me know when you find a better $10 red wine.  This Merlot dominant (70%) blend is an unbelievable bargain, delivering both fleshy fruit flavors and balancing savory notes.  Solid weight, freshness, and an ever so slightly bitter finish just add to the enjoyment. … Read more

($12, Bayfield Importing): White wines from Bordeaux, such as this one, are underappreciated and hence, offer great value.  The 2012 Château Lamothe de Haux, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (40%), Semillon (40%) and Muscadelle, delivers a lovely grassy bite — Sauvignon Blanc speaking — atop a creamy texture, thanks to the Semillon. … Read more

($10, Wine Brokers International): It is ironic that, at the same time Bordeaux is criticized for becoming a luxury commodity, it is producing terrific bargain wines like this one. Attractive herbal elements harmonize with plenty of dark fruit flavors. A subtle, fleeting bitterness in the finish adds to its appeal.… Read more

($16, Vintus):  As always, this “simple” Bordeaux is satisfying and a great value.  The herbal nuances that accompany the mixture of fruit flavors are what make it so appealing.  It has the length and grace you’d expect from a more expensive bottling. … Read more

($16, Vintus Imports):  Château Tour D’Auron is a château controlled by the well-regarded and talented Milhade family, who produces a bevy of fine wines from all their properties.  This “little” wine exemplifies why Bordeaux is so popular.  Supple and polished, it has the concentration of the 2009 vintage. … Read more

($15, Wine Brokers International):  The 2009 vintage in Bordeaux produced ripe, fleshy red wines.  Even at the lower appellation levels, such as Bordeaux Supérieur, the tannins are ripe and supple, not green, which makes these wines particularly attractive.  The 2009 Château Penin is classic Bordeaux with a satisfying combination of ripe red fruit flavors and earthy nuances. … Read more

($13, Wine Brokers International):  Here’s another bargain priced Bordeaux that shows how the lower appellations benefited from the ripeness of the 2009 vintage.  Black fruit flavor predominate in this weightier wine.  Subtle tarry elements and even a mildly chewy texture add to its appeal. … Read more

($15, Ex Cellars Wine Agency):  This is the kind of Bordeaux that everyone loves to find because it delivers more than either the price or the appellation suggests.  Château Recougne, one of the key properties of the talented Milhade family, is located near Pomerol on the right bank of Bordeaux’s Gironde River. … Read more

($15, Kobrand): If the Moueix family, who owns or controls many properties in Pomerol–including Chateau Pétrus–where Merlot is king, can’t produce an exhilarating Merlot, then no one can.  The name, Encore, is apt because after one taste you want more of this serious Merlot. … Read more

($12, Ex-Cellars Wine Agency): A gorgeous blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows the combination of grace and ripeness that is the hallmark of the 2005 vintage. Unusually complex for a wine of this price, it has nuances of earth and other non-fruit flavors to complement the fruit flavors.… Read more

($15, Ex Cellars Wine Agency): This is one of many wines that demonstrates the tremendous value to be found in the 2005 red Bordeaux.  It delivers more enjoyment that its modest appellation, Bordeaux Superiéur, suggests.  Meaty nuances combine with ripe fruit flavors in this silky wine. … Read more

($12, North Lake Wines): This classic Bordeaux blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc delivers more substance and elegance than you would expect from a ‘popular’ brand.  Its suave tannins balance the moderate fruit and tobacco flavors. … Read more

($9): Those who have avoided Mouton Cadet because they feel it is ‘mass produced’ need to taste the 2003 vintage of this standard-bearer from Bordeaux.  Ripe, reflecting the vintage, but most importantly balanced, it has unexpected subtly and graceful tannins.  Not overdone, it’s a good example of what Bordeaux has to offer.  … Read more

($13, Ex-Cellars Wine Agency): Gamey flavors attractively complement the layers of ripe fruit elements in this balanced wine. The tannins are supple and symmetrical with the fruit, which means the wine is perfect for drinking now. The price makes it hard to resist.… Read more