Red Bordeaux

Arguably the world's most well-known wine region, and the home of claret. The broad region of Bordeaux took its name from the port city of Bordeaux through which wines would have been exported for centuries. Today, buying Red Bordeaux means navigating one of wine's most diverse and rewarding regions - from everyday drinking at £12.95 per bottle to rare collectables from legendary châteaux.

There is a lot of Bordeaux and a lot to Bordeaux. It is rather over convenient to lazily divide the region into Left Bank and Right Bank, but we all do it anyway. And for good reason - understanding these two broad areas helps demystify a region that can seem intimidatingly complex.

Understanding Bordeaux: Left Bank vs Right Bank

The Left Bank encompasses the Haut-Médoc, Pessac-Léognan and Graves - Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wines, in theory at least. This is the Bordeaux of fable, with rich estates making collectable wines of nobility and ample price tag. Names like Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Julien conjure images of grand châteaux and wines built for decades of ageing.

The Right Bank covers St Emilion, Pomerol et al to the north of the Dordogne, where Merlot rules supreme and Cabernet Franc is preferred to its more famous Cabernet cousin. The style here tends toward the more approachable and fruit-forward, though no less capable of complexity and longevity.

Value in Bordeaux: Beyond the Famous Names

But, of course, the region is more nuanced than that. It is, also, a large and productive region – there is a lot more Bordeaux around than you might think – so it is possible to drink good value claret, especially if you veer away from the famous names. Appellations like Bordeaux Supérieur, Côtes de Castillon, and Fronsac offer exceptional quality at prices that won't require a second mortgage.

Our Approach to Sourcing Red Bordeaux

Since 1988, we've maintained direct relationships with family-owned châteaux across the region - from classified growth estates to emerging producers crafting brilliant wines in overlooked appellations. This allows us to offer both the iconic names our collectors seek and the hidden gems that represent exceptional value for everyday drinking.

Whether you're building a cellar, seeking a wine for tonight's dinner, or exploring Bordeaux for the first time, our selection spans the region's diversity: from elegant, age-worthy Cabernet blends to approachable Merlot-based wines that drink beautifully young. Free UK delivery on orders over £150, and case discounts available across the range.

Why Buy Bordeaux from Lea & Sandeman?

• Direct château relationships - We source from producers we know and trust, often visiting annually to taste through barrels and select our allocations.
• Expert curation - Every wine is tasted and approved by our buying team before it joins our selection.
• Fair pricing - From everyday drinking (£12.95+) to fine wine investment, we aim to offer the best value in the market.
• Specialist knowledge - Our team includes WSET-qualified specialists who can guide you to the right wine for your needs.

Browse our collection below, or visit one of our five London shops to discuss your requirements with our team.
For larger orders or cellar advice, contact us on 020 7244 0522 or sales@leaandsandeman.co.uk.