Oenotated Bordeaux: Wine Tasting in the Médoc, Graves, and Saint-Émilion

Bordeaux’s legendary Left Bank and Right Bank come to life in this deep‑dive conversation exploring Cabernet‑Merlot blends, major appellations, and the historic terroirs shaped by the Gironde. Wine expert Mark Phillips and travel expert Adrian Hall break down Bordeaux’s classifications, iconic châteaux, blending traditions, and evolving winemaking styles, offering essential context for anyone planning a wine tasting tour in France. With tasting notes, travel insights, and stories from the region’s most influential estates, this episode is a guide for wine lovers seeking to understand—and experience—the heart of Bordeaux.

Discover French wine, cuisine, and culture during an exclusive Oenotated Travel private journey from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean—Luxury Wine Tour in Southern France: Wine Tasting from Bordeaux to Banyuls
https://oenotatedtravel.com/tour/luxu...

00:00 Intro — Welcome to Oenotated Bordeaux
00:35 Why Bordeaux Matters Globally
02:15 Bordeaux’s Export Legacy & British Influence
03:25 Claret, Early Styles & Dutch Engineering of the Médoc
05:36 Tasting Begins — Left Bank Wines
05:51 Château Beychevelle (Saint‑Julien) — Futures Story
06:23 Château Smith Haut Lafitte (Pessac‑Léognan) — First Notes
07:23 Young Bordeaux & Modern Blending Techniques
08:08 Saint‑Julien Structure & Left Bank Cabernet Character
10:30 Food Pairings & Bordeaux’s Versatility
10:56 In Defense of Merlot — Right Bank Love
13:01 How Châteaux Adjust Blends to Vintage & Market Taste
13:03 Global Palates & Shifts Away from Heavy Oak
14:28 French Oak vs American Oak — Texture & Influence
15:19 Barrel Toasting, Cooperages & Smith Haut Lafitte’s Craft
17:13 Understanding Bordeaux’s Villages & Diversity
18:05 The 1855 Classification Explained
20:49 Saint‑Émilion Classifications & Politics
21:08 En Primeur — How Futures Still Work Today
21:58 First Growths & Left Bank Geography
23:01 Château Beychevelle’s “Lower the Sails” Origin Story
23:54 Decanting Bordeaux — Young vs Old
25:02 Closing Toast — Left Bank Favorites
26:12 Sauternes as a Subregion of Graves
26:43 Final Cheers — Santé!