Bordeaux Wines That Won't Break The Bank

Chateau La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol. $16 - $20

Bright, dark red. This wine both tastes and smells of strawberry and tannin. This is a value price for a wine from this region, and while rich and delicious, this tastes "younger" and more acidic than some of the others on this list. However, this is a good place to start, and will improve (although not a ton), by aging.

Drink by 2015


70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis-en-Médoc. $25 - $35

Although the property's history dates back to 1560, it is likely that the vines from which these grapes descended are much, much older. The vineyard is widely held in high esteem, despite being one of the smallest producers in the area.

Deep red. Taste of dark fruit, minerals and chocolate. This is an excellent wine at an excellent price. Drink now until 2025.


73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot.

Chateau d'Issan, Margaux Bordeaux. $35 - $45

Dating from the 15th century (and possibly even the 12th), Château d’Issan is located in Margaux, 30 minutes' drive from Bordeaux. The chateau is still surrounded by a moat, and is frequently described as the most romantic in the Medoc appellation.

Mild at first with a strong finish, this lighter-colored red is fruity on the nose, with a nice, full structure and hints of tobacco.


70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.

Brane Cantenac, 2nd Grand Cru Classé, Margaux. $35 - $50

A Bordeaux blend middleweight, this is a softer, more "feminine" wine. Well crafted, earthy, with tastes of chocolate, strawberries, and raspberries. This is an early drinker, but a very good value.

As a less robust wine, this might be a good choice for those who are just beginning to dabble in Bordeaux.

Drink now until 2015.


53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Branaire Duluc-Ducru, St. Julien. $40 - $55

Oaky, earthy, fruity and balanced. Nicely integrated tannins. Hints of mocha, blackberries and violets. 2007 was not a great year for the region, but this shows a delicious fruitiness for the vintage. Very nice finish. This one is a good choice for the holidays, and should definitely be a crowd pleaser. Drink now until 2017.


63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc.