Bordeaux under $50

Winemaker Description 

Brilliant straw robe. Lovely, fruity nose of white peaches, citrus, and beeswax. Elegant, charming palate with good fruit flavors and a smooth buttery finish.

A lovely dry wine that is very refreshing. Serve chilled with seafood, pasta, chicken, veal, and pork. 

Expert Ratings

Wine Spectator | Airy cherry and pomegranate notes are lined with hints of tomato leaf and savory. Quick finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. — JMWine Enthusiast  This rich, Merlot-dominated wine is powered by black-currant fruits. Tannins are still there, with a tough edge that suggests heavy extraction during winemaking. The wine needs to soften. Wait to drink until 2021.

James Suckling 91 Points | Sweet berry and floral aromas follow through to a medium body with nicely integrated tannins and a deliciously juicy finish. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description

Intense color, ruby reflections, shiny. Nose of black fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry with toasted notes. Authenticity of the terroir through the tannic structure and fruitiness of the wine. The nature of the sandy-gravelly soil acts as a flavor enhancer and is found in the minerality of this wine.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 90 Points | Mulberries, dark plums, dried herbs, burdock and cigar box on the nose. Medium body with powdery tannins. Fruity, with fresh acidity and a flavorful, earthy finish. Drink or hold. 

90 Points Wine Enthusiast: From the slopes just west of Castillon, this is a ripe Merlot-dominated wine. A core of tannins and juicy acidity have combined into a savory wine that will be ready from 2023.

Winemaker Description

Ronan by Clinet is an approachable wine that reflects the style and savoir-faire of a prestigious Pomerol winery. It is a fresh, fruit-forward and delicately spiced wine, ready to drink now or age for several years – the perfect choice for a spontaneous after-work treat or a dinner party with friends.

Expert Review

Decanter 88 Points | Very fresh and peachy aromas on the nose. Broad and oily, lively and delicious, rich finish. (Bronze). (2022).

Winemaker Description

The bouquet opens with ripe citrus fruits and notes of exotic fruits and peaches, enhanced by a toasted buttery, creamy accent.

On the palate, it offers an exotic richness that confirms the nose's complexity. The texture is supple and generous, concluding with an elegant saline finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Chateau Riganes White is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Light gold in color with green reflections. On the nose, bursting aromas of yellow grapefruit, earthy minerals, lemon peel, hints of freshly cut grass and white spring flowers. Light to medium-bodied, with a mind-blowing first attack of citrus fruits followed by hints of slate on the mid palate, zesty lemon, herbal notes, basil, tart green pear, medium-plus acidity, with more saline and orange blossom notes that linger on a remarkably long and mouth-watering finish.

Expert Ratings

Winemaker Description

Medium bodied right bank Bordeaux with heavy tannins and a dry finish. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry are balanced with oak, earth, bramble and graphite notes. 

Winemaker Description

A beautiful ruby purple color with hints of raspberry. The nose reveals a powerful and flattering aroma of red fruits, pretty floral notes, and spicy sweet mint. On the palate, it is fleshy, round, supple, and fruity with ripe tannins and a long, fresh finish.

Expert Rating - Vintage 2020 

90 Points James Suckling | Aromas of blackberries, black plums, tobacco leaves and walnuts. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, gently grainy tannins. Linear and balanced. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2025.

Winemaker Description 

Attractive dark ruby-red and brilliant this classic Bordeaux is explosive, intense and complex at the same time. The palate entices due by its ampleness, richness, fullness as well as by the aromatic finish on the palate. Harmonious and long, the ideal accompaniment to a game such as leg of lamb with herbs or goat’s cheeses. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

James Suckling 91 Points | A firm, lightly chewy Bdx with currant and wet-earth character. Some walnuts, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with juicy fruit and tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (2016). 

Winemaker Description

Bright and pale gold colored wine. Savory nose of blossom, of exotic fruits and white fleshed fruits. The first impression in the mouth comes from the round and rich palate. Then the citrus brings some freshness which make a quite unique balance.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | A ripe wine, this has tropical fruits freshened with kiwi. It is smooth and spicy, with plenty of perfumed richness at the end. (2022). 

Yohan Castaing writes:  Aromas of pear, peach and smoke preface the 2022 Blanc from Château Thieuley. This is a medium-bodied, juicy, tense wine with a pure and fresh finish. It is a blend of 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sémillon and, for the first year, 3% Colombard.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

James Suckling writes:  Lemongrass, guava and chopped herbs on the nose. Crunchy and fresh with a medium body and green-fruited finish. Sauvignon blanc and semillon. Drink now.  - James Suckling

James Suckling writes:  A ripe, pretty red with blackberry, dried-tobacco and seaweed aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a delicious finish already.  - James Suckling  91-92

Winemaker Notes

This vintage is of a beautiful presence, both in its rather sustained red color, as in its aromatic expression of red fruits and undergrowth with nuances of caramel and spices. On the palate, we find very ripe fruit with a nice freshness, the palate is charming. Round and warm, it benefits from good wood support and ends with a long and suave finish. Balanced, Château Loirac has a marked personalit

Critic Notes

James Suckling writes 90 Points | The blueberry and orange-peel aromas are all here. Medium body, fresh acidity and an attractive aftertaste. A little lean, but should soften by 2021. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot.  - 

Neal Martin of Vinous writes |   The 2016 Loirac has a simple but pleasurable bouquet with wild strawberry and briary aromas. It just lacks a little complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of greenness on the entry, classic and slightly leafy in style. Pleasant but probably early drinking only. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.  Vinous

Julia Harding of Jancis Robinson writes 15.5/20 Points |  Deep crimson. Vanilla coating over the blackcurrant fruit. Dry-textured and slightly lacking in flesh but the tannins and freshness are good and this should be fine with a good dose of protein. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.  Drinking 2020 - 2025.

Expert Review

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Brought up all in tank, the 2022 Château Lajarre has a medium to full-bodied, juicy, downright vibrant profile as well as ample blue fruits, some tobacco and violet nuances, fine-grained tannins, and a touch of minerality on the finish. I don't think it's going to make terribly old bones, but this brings loads of charm and character.  - Jeb Dunnuck 90-92

Yohan Costaing writes: The 2022 Lajarre offers up aromas of violet, lilac, spring flowers and raspberry. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and succulent, it’s juicy and charming with elegant tannins on the finish.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

James Molesworth writes:  A friendly version, with dark cherry and currant notes draped with a lightly toasted tobacco edge. Offers a pleasant earthy echo through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027.

Winemaker Description

The wines produced at the estate are fruity with aromas of red fruits, good tannic structure, elegant and round in the mouth. 

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger of 67Wine.com writes | An approachable and tasty Bordeaux. Merlot is the dominant grape and Cabernet Sauvignon plays a supporting role, adding complexity. There are aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark plum, black cherry, licorice, and cedar all with a beautifully persistent finish. Made with organically grown grapes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Roger Voss of the Wine Enthsusiast 90 Points | This wine comes from the family home of the Lurton family, one of the largest estates in Entre- deux-Mers. With a crisp aroma and a fresh, herbal Sauvignon Blanc-dominated character, the wine is classic white Bordeaux, fresh and fruity, ready to drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Limpid, pale yellow colour, with light silver reflections. A beautiful intensity, nose is marked by a tasty mix of exotic fruit notes (mango, passion fruit) and citrus (grapefruit). After a frank attack, there is a nice intensity in the mouth. The balance is good between roundness and freshness. We find again notes of exotic fruits (mango, candied orange) and citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit). The whole is very gourmet. Nice finish.

This wine will be enjoyed as an aperitif, but also with a seafood platter, an avocado with shrimp, or grilled fish. 

Winemaker Description 

40% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon and 20% Muscadelle. This flagship white boasts floral and fruity aromas and is fresh and round on the palate with a crisp, dry finish. Among the greatest values in Bordeaux Blanc. 

Winemaker Description 

The dominance of Sauvignon Blanc reveals intense flavors of white flowers, citrus and white fruits. While in the mouth the Semillon brings roundness, volume and richness with pleasant notes of citrus fruits. A fine liveliness leads to a great finale. Certified organic. 

Winemaker Description

Lions de Suduiraut has been specifically designed to reveal the pleasures of tasting Sauternes wines. With a specific blending style made of Semillon and Sauvignon blanc, it gives a unique personality to the wine. Smooth, subtel, fresh and mineral, with a creative profile, Lions de Suduiraut is modern and pleasant to taste young.

Winemaker Description

Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon  - with a twist -this one sees oak treatment, which is not common in Bordeaux.  The Semillon and oak make this wine big and rich, while the Sauvignon Blanc gives it its crispness.  It's a perfect winter wine!  Bordeaux, France

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Aged for seven months in wood, this ripe wine has power as well as richness. Its spicy character chimes with the dense white fruits from old Sémillon. Drink from 2025. (2022).

Winemaker Description 

40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon and 20% Muscadelle.  The wine is aged on the lees for about 3 weeks, which accounts for its round, smooth, and remarkably fruity flavor. The wine is gold with green highlights. Floral aromas and fruity aromas (hawthorn, grape fruit). Round and fresh, slightly pearly wine. A crisp and long finish. This wine is aged on the lees for about 3 weeks, which accounts for its round, smooth, and remarkably fruity flavor.

Food Pairing: It is ideal as an aperitif, or with fish, seafood (a must with oysters), and cheese.

Located southwest of Bordeaux in the commune of Haux, Château Lamothe has crafted estate-bottled wine since the 16th century. For four generations succession was passed down on the mother’s side and since 1956 the estate has been run by the Néel-Chombart family. Over the past 60 years the family has amassed prime vineyard land which now spans 80 hectares of clay and limestone slopes on the Right Bank. Additionally, they restored the distinctive façade of the historic chateau (now pictured on all Lamothe labels) and renovated the 17th century limestone quarries into underground cellars ideal for aging. 

Vigneron Damien Chombart believes that sustainable farming is not only stewardship of the land, but also as a way to enhance the life of farmers, communities and society. It is a holistic challenge the connects economic success in agriculture with environmental and social responsibilities for all involved. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This fresh version offers mirabelle plum, quinine and honeysuckle notes that stay bright and nicely defined through the energetic, salted butter–tinged finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2026.  - Wine Spectator 90

Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 Points |  The 2022 Clos Des Lunes Lune D'Argent Blanc is a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied white with clean citrus and floral aromatics, a good spine of acidity, and a clean, lengthy finish. It's a classy Bordeaux Blanc based largely on Sémillon. 

James Suckling 92 Points |  Fine reduction with flint and matchstick characters that protect the creamed citrus. Pretty full-bodied and broad at the start with a lightly phenolic middle and a flavorful, saline finish. 70% semillon and 30% sauvignon. Try from 2025.  - James Suckling 92

Vinous 90-92 Points | The 2022 Lune d’Argent shows notable richness, very much in the style of the year. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and tangerine. Pear, mint and chamomile open effortlessly. In 2022, Lune d’Argent offers quite a bit of presence, making it a terrific choice for the dinner table. Readers should expect a rich, layered Sauvignon Blanc. Pretty floral notes liven up the finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Lune d’Argent is the heart of Clos des Lunes’ production. They firmly believe in the future of this legendary terroir and its truly original style. With a touch of French oak, the Sémillon is dense and rich, the Sauvignon Blanc refined and precise. This cuvée of dry white wine promises to convey all the magic of Sauternes. 

Expert Reviews 

Winemaker Notes

This wine is an assembly of wonderful diverse terroirs of the Château mixing grape varieties of Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc for a fruity wine mixing the roasting aromas.

Blend: 59% Merlot, 28% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc

Critic Notes

James Suckling 90 Points: This has aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries, tomato leaves, mushrooms and chili chocolate. It’s fresh and balanced, with chewy tannins and a medium body. 59% merlot, 28% malbec and 13% cabernet franc. Savory finish. From organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description 

Crisp, fresh, and refreshing with notes of citrus, cut grass, and subtle tropical fruits. 

Expert Review 

Georgina Hindle writes:  Wonderfully aromatic and expressive on the nose - the aromas really just jump out the glass. So inviting. Juicy, red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries - quite bright and a nice change from the dark fruits. This is lively and fun, light with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving some structure and backbone. Hard not to like for its fruit-forwardness and easy drinking style. Though does have a spicy undertone which comes through on the finish?!   - Decanter 90

Winemaker Description 

The wine has a dark, ruby ​​red color. Its aromas offer a savory impression of candied fruit. The taste is harmonious, concentrated with a strong tannin content that allows good storage. When it comes to grape varieties, there is a clear predominance of Merlot grapes, which are complemented by Cabernet Franc and a little Cabernet Sauvignon.

A wine to accompany game and red meat with sauce.

Our Professional Review 

Starts out with sweet, slightly stewed red plum and cherry fruit on the nose and on entry, then opens up to baking spice, medicinal herbs, and crushed flowers.  Medium bodied, and very satisfying on the palate with finely etched but assertive tannins.   

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

Producer Description 

From a low yielding year of exceptional balance. Deep and opulent blackcurrant fruit and charred meat, all draped over a backdrop of leather, spice and graphite and a lovely mineral complexity. 

Organic and biodynamic. Double Guyot pruning, spontaneous winter grass cover. Soil tillage during the spring, every other row ploughed. Treatments combining small quantities of Bordeaux mixture with herbal teas such as horsetail or nettle.

Fermentation using yeast native to the estate, temperature control in concrete vats. No inputs apart from limited quantities of sulphur (40mg/l). No fining; bottled on a fruit day of the biodynamic calendar.

The Hubert family settled at Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours in the village of Cars near Blaye in 1895, and six generations have followed since.

The estate is located on a hill overlooking the estuary, with the vineyards on the slopes. From its 17th-century castellated tower, we have a spectacular panoramic view of the entire estate and the Gironde estuary.

The estate is located on a hill overlooking the estuary, with the vineyards on the slopes. From its 17th-century castellated tower, we have a spectacular panoramic view of the entire estate and the Gironde estuary.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

James Suckling writes 92 Points |  Fruity nose of ripe blackberries, currants, chocolate orange and oyster shell. It’s medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Balanced and fresh with some spicy and salty notes to close. Drink from 2023. 

Jane Anson writes 93 Points | On the outskirts of St Julien, making some of the best value wines on the Médoc peninsula. This is a great 2019, really one to look out for, good value and full of blackberry and black cherry fruits, polished with muscular frame, can easily last another decade or more. Eric Boissenot consultant.  - Jane Anson 93

William Kelley of the Wine Advocate writes 90 Points | The 2019 Lanessan continues to perform very well, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet berries, licorice and fresh tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with rich, powdery tannins and a vibrant core of fruit, it's a fine effort from a property with immense potential. 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 91 Points | The 2019 Lanessan is a powerful, deep wine. Grilled herbs, pepper, sage, mint and tobacco lend notable aromatic intensity. The Cabernet is especially marked here. Lanessan is pretty assertive in 2019. There is quite a bit of Cabernet savoriness and tannin. 

Georgina Hindle of Decanter writes 91 Points | Lovely texture here, deep and intense but also smooth, with high-toned blackcurrant and black cherry. There's a pleasing chalky dryness to the tannins and an appealing minerality that comes through. Solid core, well presented but not hugely long.  Drinking 2022 - 2030.

Jancis Robinson writes 16/20 Points |  Tasted blind. Some lusciousness on the nose. Energy and lift with sleek fruit, good balance and interest.