As a seasoned winemaker with 20 years of experience tucked under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of swirling, sipping, and savoring my way through countless bottles of wine and barrels through many wine regions with many wine lovers and wine enthusiasts, subscribing to a multitude of premium wine clubs, and finally finding a home with a team of wine makers that share my passion for vintage wines. Today, I’m here to share the joyous journey of Right Bank Bordeaux wines—a region that holds a special place in my heart, and my cellar. As the author of the Grand Mélange, the award-winning Right Bank Style Bordeaux, I have found a way to finally give merlot the respect that it deserves!
The Riches of the Right Bank
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Bordeaux, the Right Bank is a winemaker’s canvas, painted with the deep hues of Merlot and the complex contours of Cabernet Franc. While our cousins on the Left Bank might raise glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends, we on the Right Bank hail to the superior Merlot. This region, which includes famed appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, produces wines that are as rich in flavor as they are in history.
Merlot—The Star of the Show
Merlot, my dear friends, wine connoisseurs and wine lovers, is the reigning grape here, known for its softer, more sumptuous profile compared to the more austere Cabernet Sauvignon. What makes Merlot enchanting is its approachability—the tannins are plush, the body is full, and the palate caressed with layers of juicy plums, black cherries, and a kiss of chocolate and spice. It’s like diving into a velvety pile of autumn leaves, with all the warmth and none of the cleanup!
A Dash of Cabernet Franc
We can’t forget about Cabernet Franc, which plays a critical supporting role in many of our Right Bank blends. This grape adds a dash of spice and of floral notes, enhancing the complexity of the wine. It’s the secret ingredient that, when blended with Merlot, brings out a wine’s personality—think of it as the charismatic friend who knows just how command presence in a room.
Saint-Émilion: Elegance in a Glass
One cannot speak of the Right Bank without being poetic about Saint-Émilion. If Bordeaux wines were a royal court, Saint-Émilion would undoubtedly be the graceful queen. The wines here are deep, complex, and seductive. With each sip, you’re greeted with an elegant tangle of blackberry, ripe raspberry, and hints of earth and iron—a testament to the diverse terroir that ranges from limestone to clay.
The Joy of Aging
Saint-Émilion wines aren’t just beautiful in their youth; they age with unparalleled grace. Over time, the robust fruitiness mellows, and the wines develop sophisticated notes of cigar box, truffle, and leather. They transform into something profoundly exquisite, much like how a lively conversation turns into cherished memories.
Pomerol: The Hidden Gem
Then there’s Pomerol, the smaller, somewhat mysterious sibling with wines that are as rich and powerful as they are rare. While Pomerol might not have the grand châteaux of other Bordeaux regions, it commands respect and adoration with its opulent, silky wines. Notes of plum, blackcurrant, and a luxurious, velvety texture make each bottle from Pomerol a treasure trove of sensory delights.
A Taste of the Exotic
Pomerol also occasionally flirts with flavors that border on the exotic—think hints of star anise or smoky incense, which add a touch of mystery to the wine. Drinking a Pomerol is like reading a thrilling novel that you simply can’t put down—you’re captivated, enchanted, and always longing for just one more page.
Pairing Right Bank Wines
Pairing Right Bank bottles of wines is as joyful an affair as making them. Their richness and depth make them perfect companions to hearty dishes. A glass of Saint-Émilion with a slow-cooked lamb stew, or a Pomerol alongside a truffled beef tenderloin, elevates a meal from a simple dinner to a celebratory feast. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try them with a dark chocolate dessert for a match that’s both bold and delightful.
In Closing: A Toast to the Right Bank
So, whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice ready to dive into the world of Bordeaux wines, the Right Bank offers a palate-pleasing panorama of possibilities. These wines speak of their heritage with every grape, every bottle, and every sip. They tell a story of the land, the people, and the passion that goes into each vintage.
Here’s to the Right Bank and the Grand Mélange —may these excellent wines continue to inspire and delight us for many years to come. Cheers, my friends, to good wine, great company, and unforgettable moments!
About Cellar Beast:
Our expert team of wine makers, wine experts, and sommeliers offer exclusive access to a superb collection of dry wines that will redefine your perception customer service and of wine flavors, appealing to even the most refined wine enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs. Located just minutes from the Lizard Creek Inn (lizardcreekinn.com), our wine campus offers a unique selection of varietals from leading wine regions, with a focus on French varieties, setting us apart in an area typically associated with sweeter wines. Joining a tasting with our celebrated team is comparable to taking an in-depth wine course; it's crafted to ignite your taste buds, deepen your understanding of aromas from primary to tertiary, involve you in blind tastings, and help you appreciate the unique bottles of wine that bear the Cellar Beast emblem. Many of our patrons are motivated to expand their wine knowledge at the Wine School of Philadelphia (www.vinology.com). We also offer exclusive bottle quantities, including sparkling wines, natural wines, selections to our wine club members, elevating your expectations of wine quality. As a woman-owned winery, Cellar Beast has garnered prestigious accolades across the wine industry, including Double Golds and Best in Class at various wine competitions, with ratings as high as 97 points. Our 2022 vintage of Grand Melange made its first external event appearance at a BlacOak Wine festival (https://www.blacoak.com).
Our wine club membership offers complimentary tastings of award-winning wines, a wide variety of exclusive bottles of wine selected only for wine club members, Membership is available as a quarterly club or with an annual commitment, both of which offer exclusive discounts, discounts on special events, wine club events and super premium offerings of delicious wines to include white wines, roses, and red wines. We have the ability accept credit cards for wine shipments to most states as well as offering gift cards for membership to others.
