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Discussions in regards to the deserves of Bordeaux’s Left Financial institution and Proper Financial institution — separated by the Dordogne and Garonne rivers — are as outdated as fashionable winemaking itself. And whereas many will endlessly debate the standard of the 2 factions, there are some key variations in winemaking between the 2 areas.
In the case of reds, each areas make blends utilizing at the very least a few of the 5 traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. Nevertheless, the Left Financial institution is understood for leaning closely on cabernet sauvignon, whereas the Proper Financial institution is extra egalitarian, with merlot usually taking the lead. Should you’re making an attempt to suss out whether or not a Bordeaux tasted blind is Left or Proper Financial institution, on the lookout for the indicators of cab or merlot is normally your greatest first step.
As for white wines, they aren’t produced on the Proper Financial institution — solely the Left Financial institution makes these blends, that are constructed round sauvignon blanc, sémillon, and muscadelle. Should you’re consuming White Bordeaux, it’s a Left Financial institution wine.
Right this moment we’re a pair of Left Financial institution bottles from the Pessac-Leognan area, 2020 classic. Ideas observe.
2020 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Rouge – A mix of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 13% Cabernet Franc. In stark distinction to my earlier recommendation, the merlot affect is suprisingly vivid on the nostril, offering a purple, floral high quality that offsets the extra brooding, earthy character that awaits the drinker on the palate. A little bit punch of spice provides the wine a midpalate pop, however the end is all gravel and a contact of darkish creosote, the place darkish fruit and licorice notes lastly come into clearer focus amidst all of the savory earth. Amply tannic however removed from blown out, it’s approachable now however will seemingly enhance mildly over the subsequent 2 to three years in cellar. B+ / $50
2020 Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan Blanc – A brilliant and glossy mix heavy on sauvignon blanc, this dry white options crisp notes of inexperienced melon, gooseberry, and a dollop of lemon curd which provides a cleaning citrus character. It’s not an advanced wine, however white Bordeaux is usually a reasonably easy prelude to the area’s extra complicated reds, and that is no exception. A burst of minerals precede a smear of vanilla cream that lastly winds issues up. A- / $35
2020 Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan Blanc
$35
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