Haut-Médoc

Despite being as visually unprepossessing as the rest of the Médoc (despite its grandiose châteaux) this large red-wine appellation of Haut-Médoc is home to some of the world’s greatest wines. Its 4,500ha of vineyards form a largely continuous strip that follows the Gironde from St Seurin-de-Cadourne, just north of St Estèphe, to Blanquefort in the northern suburbs of Bordeaux. 

All the great communes of the Left Bank fall within its boundaries: Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac and St Estèphe, as well as the up and coming Moulis and Listrac. These are labeled under their own more illustrious and expensive appellation names. Châteaux labeled simply as Haut-Médoc rarely reach such heights but nevertheless offer consistently good quality and offer some of the best value in Bordeaux.  

Haut-Médoc wines tend to be firm and fine with generous fruit and a nice minerality; what many would consider ‘classic Claret’. They come from loftier vineyards and offer higher quality and more complexity than those labeled simply as Médoc. Almost all wines are a blend of the principal varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc - which helps producers hedge their bets if the slightly capricious climate causes one variety to fail. Small amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec and even Carmenère are also used.

The higher proportion of sand and gravel to the south tends to produce finer wines while the heavier clay and gravel north of Margaux yields sturdier examples. The best Haut-Médocs are found north of Ludon, a village just below Margaux. These include 5 classified growths - 3^rd Growth Ch. la Lagune, underperforming 4^th Growth Ch. la Tour Carnet and 5^th Growths Ch. Cantemerle, Ch. Camensac and Ch. Belgrave – as well as a number of fine Cru Bourgeois.  Ageing ability varies but the lesser wines are usually delicious after 3-4 years, lasting around a decade, while the Cru Classés have a drinkability window of around 6 to 15 years. 

Recommended producers (labeled as Haut-Médoc): Ch. Beaumont, Ch. Belgrave, Ch. Cantemerle, Ch. Peyrabon.