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Bordeaux is easily one of the most highly regarded winemaking regions in the world. When you hear about Bordeaux, you probably think of the big first-growth reds that come with big first-growth price tags. But these châteaus are in the minority: There are numerous great-value wines from across the region waiting to be discovered. Here are six great picks, all between $13 and $20.
CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Bordeaux White Le G 2017
WS Review: Plump and friendly, with tangerine, peach and nectarine notes forming the core. The rounded finish has a flattering hint, along with a thread of quinine that keeps this honest. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2020. 1,200 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Château Guiraud is actually a Sauternes producer that makes fantastic dessert wines, but the domaine's dry white is also worth seeking out. It's a blend of equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, is made using organic farming practices and is aged in oak for seven months.
CHÂTEAU ARGADENS Bordeaux White 2017
WS Review: This is very lively, with zippy lemon, white peach and gooseberry fruit flavors, laced with thyme and fleur de sel notes. Offers a lemon zest dusting on the finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Located in the vast Entre-Deux-Mers region, Château Argadens has been owned by Maison Sichel (parent company of Château Palmer, among many others) since 2002. The grapes of this Sauvignon Blanc–dominant blend are grown in clay-limestone soils; the wine shows the classic flavors of this white grape.
DOURTHE Bordeaux La Grande Cuvée 2016
WS Review: Open and easy, with gently crushed plum and cherry fruit flavors lined with singed cedar and a tug of earth. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Petit Verdot complement this Merlot-dominant blend from Dourthe. Founded in 1840, the company has grown substantially and now owns several estates in the Bordeaux area, including Château Belgrave in Haut-Médoc and Château La Garde in Pessac-Léognan. The regional Bordeaux AOC is a good source for value wines; this bottling is a steal at $13.
CHÂTEAU HAUT RIAN Bordeaux White 2017
WS Review: Brisk, with savory and thyme notes pulling a core of lemon peel and white peach along. Pithy finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Michel and Isabelle Dietrich bought Château Haut Rian in 1988, after six years living in Clare Valley in Australia. They both have a winemaking background, Michel having grown up in Alsace and Isabelle in Champagne. Unlike the other two whites in this round-up, this bottling is made with a majority of Sémillon fermented in tank at low temperatures, with Sauvignon Blanc supporting.
CHÂTEAU LAMOTHE VINCENT Bordeaux 2016
WS Review: The bright cherry and plum fruit is unencumbered, with flecks of briar and vanilla on the friendly finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: This Château Lamothe Vincent red is made with grapes from three parcels located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region. The traditional Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend is aged on its lees for nine months in stainless steel vats as well as French oak, which gives the wine its vanilla note.
CHÂTEAU LANDEREAU Bordeaux Supérieur 2016
WS Review: Fresh and direct, with polished cherry and cassis flavors lined with light floral and vanilla hints. Not big, but pure and balanced. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. 500 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Château Landereau was founded in 1959 and is currently run by third-generation owner Bruno Baylet. He makes this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc under the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation using sustainable farming practices. The wine spends 12 months aging in tank and oak barrels before being bottled.