Bordeaux red wines are typically blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other grapes like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. They range from soft and plummy to structured and tannic, often expressing notes of black currant, cedar, graphite, and earthy undertones. These wines from Southwest France, particularly Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur regions, are known for aging potential, balanced acidity, and restrained oak use. In contrast, GSM blends from Southeast France (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) are more fruit-forward, with peppery and herbal notes — reflecting the sunnier Mediterranean terroir.

🍷 Wine Descriptions

🅰️ Wine 1: Château Haut Claribes Bordeaux Supérieur

Year: 2022
Price: $8.99
Region: Gensac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux Supérieur 🇫🇷
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby color, smooth structure, black currant, peppery, lingering finish, nicely balanced acidity and tannins.
Lynn’s Score: 17 (would buy again for a party)
Scott’s Score: 12 (would buy and drink at home)
🏆 Winner – Total Score: 29
✅ Both would buy again

🅱️ Wine 2: Ténèbres GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre)

Year: 2023
Price: $6.99
Region: Carcassonne, Occitanie, Languedoc 🇫🇷
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, licorice, wet leaves, leather, cotton candy; very dry with light acidity and a short finish.
Lynn’s Score: 13 (would buy again for home, second bottle)
Scott’s Score: 10 (would buy for home)
Total Score: 23
✅ Both would buy again

🅲️ Wine 3: Château Haut Sorillon

Year: 2022
Price: $10.99
Region: Lansac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux 🇫🇷
Tasting Notes: Light ruby color, floral, cranberry, leather, faint "new car" aroma; flavor shows late, no front-of-mouth taste or lasting finish.
Lynn’s Score: 10 (would buy again but back shelf)
Scott’s Score: 10 (would not buy again)
Total Score: 20
❌ Would not both buy again

🅳 Wine 4: Château de Fonbadet

Year: 2019
Price: $7.99
Region: Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux 🇫🇷
Tasting Notes: Garnet rust color, strong alcohol and earthy smell, needed time to open up; harsh finish.
🏅 2021 Decanter Platinum Award, 90 pts on the label so we need to try another bottle
Lynn’s Score: 11 (would buy again for late second bottle)
Scott’s Score: 7 (would buy again to test if it was a bad bottle)
Total Score: 18
❓ Questionable repurchase – possibly flawed bottle

🏆 Wine of the Night: Château Haut Claribes Bordeaux Supérieur (Wine A)

Why it won:

Best balance of structure, flavor, and finish
Showed typical Bordeaux character — bold, barrel-aged, complex
Praised by both tasters as a great choice for both parties and home sipping — especially impressive at $8.99 🎉

Tasting: Trader Joe’s French Bordeaux wines and one GSM