Bordeaux Right Bank: The Side of France That’s Quietly Dominating Cellars

Wed, Apr 02, 25

Let the Left Bank have its moment—the stately châteaux, the Cabernet swagger, the cellaring for decades. Great stuff, no doubt. But if you’re looking for something that delivers now and tells a compelling story in the glass, head east. Cross the Dordogne. That’s where the magic of the Bordeaux Right Bank happens.

Welcome to the Right Bank of Bordeaux—where Merlot leads, Cabernet Franc supports, and elegance meets emotion. This is Bordeaux without the stiff collar. Rich fruit, plush tannins, velvety textures—it’s like the music turns from classical to jazz. Structured, yes. But looser, more expressive, and unapologetically inviting.

Velvet, Depth, and Soul: The Allure of Bordeaux’s Right Bank

The Bordeaux Right Bank isn’t just a geographical distinction—it’s a completely different winemaking philosophy. While the Left Bank is known for its powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon blends, the Right Bank embraces texture, elegance, and early drinkability.

Here, Merlot takes center stage, offering plush, ripe fruit and a supple, velvety mouthfeel. It’s supported by Cabernet Franc, which brings freshness, floral aromatics, and structure.

The region’s clay and limestone soils, especially in appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, add depth and roundness to the wines, while the warmer microclimate helps ripen Merlot to perfection.

The result? Generous, expressive wines that are often ready to enjoy sooner but still have the finesse to age. If the Left Bank is Bordeaux’s formal dining room, the Right Bank is the candle-lit kitchen—intimate, soulful, and undeniably satisfying.

Pomerol: Small in Size. Massive in Character.

Pomerol is the crown jewel of the Bordeaux Right Bank. It’s unclassified by law, but don’t let that fool you—this tiny appellation produces some of the most luxurious Merlot on earth. The wines here are rich, dense, and deeply layered—but never heavy-handed.

Chateau De Sales Pomerol

Ripe plum and raspberry preserves meet warm baking spice in a wine that doesn’t just whisper—it lingers. Silky on the palate with notes of cherry, cocoa nibs, and a cedar-kissed finish that leaves a trace of smoke and satisfaction.

Food pairing: A go-to for roast duck, pork tenderloin with fig glaze, or wild mushroom risotto.

Clos Rene Pomerol 2020

Blackberry compote, worn leather, and earthy truffle rise from the glass like an invitation. What follows is pure depth: blueberry, mocha, and a whisper of minerality unfolding on a full-bodied, velvet-rich palate. As the wine evolves, so does the experience—savory herbs, dark chocolate, forest floor.

Food Pairing: Braised lamb, duck confit, mushroom risotto, or beef stroganoff

Saint-Émilion: Elegance with Structure. Depth with Lift.

Saint-Émilion is a postcard-perfect village with cobbled streets and limestone cellars—and its wines are just as romantic. The Bordeaux Right Bank wines from this appellation are rich in flavor, but balanced with freshness, thanks to Cabernet Franc and the limestone soils.

Chateau Simard Saint-emilion Grand Cru

Sink into aromas of blackberry, crushed violet petals, and cracked black pepper—each note unfolding like silk. On the palate, it’s a seamless balance of dark cherry, lavender, and warm baking spice, laced with a refined thread of graphite.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with beef bourguignon or truffled lentils.

Chateau Daugay Saint Emilion 2015

Juicy red berries, rosewater, and sweet spice rise from the glass like perfume. The first sip? A seamless cascade of ripe cranberry, clove, and just a whisper of smoked wood. Silky tannins wrap the palate, leading into a long, elegant finish that lingers with red fruit and savory spice.

Food Pairing: Perfect with roast chicken, lamb chops, or creamy mushroom pasta.

Final Sip: The Bordeaux Right Bank Deserves a Place in Your Glass

Bordeaux Right Bank wines offer something the Left Bank often can’t: emotional immediacy. They’re complex without being intellectual exercises. Elegant without being austere. These are wines made for people who want flavor, feeling, and versatility in every glass.

So whether you're stocking up for dinner parties, building your collection, or simply chasing better reds—don’t overlook the Bordeaux Right Bank. Start with Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Then thank the Dordogne River for keeping this gem slightly off the beaten path.

But don’t stop there—France has more stories to pour. Explore the mineral-driven whites of Chablis, the sun-kissed reds of the Rhône Valley, the elegant sparklers of Champagne, and the expressive terroir of Loire Valley and Alsace. Each region, a different voice in France’s grand conversation about wine.

And once you fall for it? There’s no going back. Shop the best of French wines at Arlington Wines and Liquor.