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<p>Bordeaux is considered a benchmark in the world of fine wine. Located in southwest France, the region is known for its exceptional terroir that is home to more than 7,000 wine-producing châteaux. Talented winemakers craft compelling wines within the red, white and sweet categories.</p>



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<p>Michelle Chan, Christie’s Head of Wine in Asia Pacific, identifies Bordeaux’s unique geographical location situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary and its diversity of soils as key factors behind its acclaimed output. She adds that the region’s long history of winemaking expertise has resulted in the development of specific winemaking techniques, such as blending multiple grape varieties to create complex and balanced wines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Divide and conquer</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="384" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb.jpg" alt="bordeaux wine" class="wp-image-77134" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb-560x280.jpg 560w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb-200x100.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Bordeaux is positioned at the centre of the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, which flow into the Gironde, and Chan stresses that understanding the difference between the ‘Left Bank’ and ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux is essential in grasping the region’s varied wine offerings. The area to the west, on the left bank of the Garonne, and between the Garonne and the Dordogne, “is famous for its powerful and structured red wines, predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Notable appellations include Médoc, Graves and Pessac-Léognan. These wines are full-bodied with firm tannins, ideal for long-term ageing,” she says.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="769" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_01_p_clip_rgb.jpg" alt="bordeaux wine" class="wp-image-77136" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_01_p_clip_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_01_p_clip_rgb-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_01_p_clip_rgb-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_01_p_clip_rgb-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>East of the Dordogne is the Right Bank “renowned for its Merlot-based blends, which are typically more approachable and supple when young. The most prominent appellations are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, producing rich, opulent wines with velvety tannins and exceptional balance.”</p>



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<p>Chan also notes that the region produces outstanding white wines and is hailed for its sweet wines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pick of the best</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="768" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb.jpg" alt="bordeaux wine" class="wp-image-77135" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Such is the quality of wines the region has to offer, Chan finds it difficult to choose a favourite.</p>



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<p>First on her list is Château Latour à Pomerol 1961. “This opulent and refined Merlot-based wine from Pomerol has enticing aromas of black cherries, truffles and hints of tobacco. The palate displays a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and flavours of ripe dark fruits, earth and sweet spices.”</p>



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<p>Next is Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 of which she says: “This iconic vintage features a complex and captivating bouquet of cassis, pencil shavings and cedarwood. The rich and full-bodied palate showcases layers of dark fruit, leather and tobacco, complemented by a firm tannic structure and exceptional balance.”</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="767" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_02_p_clip_rgb.jpg" alt="bordeaux wine" class="wp-image-77137" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_02_p_clip_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_02_p_clip_rgb-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_02_p_clip_rgb-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_02_p_clip_rgb-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>She also adores large-format Bordeaux wines and highlights the magnums of Le Pin 1982 – expressions of lush, seductive character and incredible depth – auctioned by Christie’s in Hong Kong in May. For sweet wines, she plumps for Château d’Yquem 1967. “This golden-hued sweet wine, made from a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes, has an incredibly complex nose with aromas of honey, apricots, candied orange peel and botrytis spice.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Collectors’ tips</h3>



<p>For those beginning a Bordeaux wine collection, Chan stresses it is essential to educate oneself on the various appellations, châteaux and vintages. Her recommended vintages are 1945, 1947, 1949, 1959, 1961, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2015.</p>



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<p>Also Read: <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/best-food-and-wine-pairings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Best Food and Wine Pairings: Which wine goes well with which dish?</a></p>


Vine Glorious: Bordeaux producers bank Left and Right on their ability to craft complex collectable wines

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-34134" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4.jpg" alt="Philanthropist's Cellar" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-6-4-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>The Philanthropist’s Cellar, a unique collection of 800 vintages, is going under the hammer at Sotheby’s Hong Kong on 31 March. Estimated at approximately HK$60 million, the collection is pitted to be the company’s largest-ever single-owner wine sale in Asia.</p>
<p>Owned by a private collector, the Philanthropist’s Cellar is distinguished by the combination of depth and breadth of the greatest wines ever made in Bordeaux and Bugundy. Some of the highlights include <em>Chateau Lafite</em> (1986), estimated at HK$85,000 to HK$120,000, <em>Chateau Haut-Brion</em> (1989), estimated at HK$120,000 to HK$180,000 and <em>Montrachet Domaine de la Romanée-Conti</em> (1989), estimated at HK$450,000 to HK$600,000.</p>
<p>All proceeds will be donated to improve health and education conditions of children in rural China, thanks to the efforts of the Rural Education Action Program (REAP) of Stanford University, the major beneficiary of the sale. REAP has earlier done similar work in rural parts of China, like setting up education centres and providing basic sanitation facilities.</p>


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Vine Glorious: Bordeaux producers bank Left and Right on their ability to craft complex collectable wines

Philanthropist’s Cellar vintage wines auction to help charity in China