Bordeaux has long symbolized the peak of prestige for French wine. Yet, despite its outstanding reputation, the region has remained relatively closed to consumers, as forbidding as the highest château gates or the most tannic of its young wines. In this highly approachable, beautifully illustrated guide, Master of Wine James Lawther draws on his insider’s knowledge to open up Bordeaux. He has identified 90 producers from both the Left and Right banks with the finest wines and the most interesting stories to tell and takes us inside their chateaux, offering intimate portraits of both the properties and the people who shape this fascinating region. He also provides chapters on history and winemaking that explain how Bordeaux has risen over the past three centuries to the unparalleled status it enjoys today. Illustrated throughout with original photographs and detailed color maps, The Finest Wines of Bordeaux reveals a changing region that is more open to new producers than its insular reputation suggests—and one that continues to hold a tight grip on the imaginations of wine enthusiasts around the world.

James Lawther MW is a wine writer who has been based in Bordeaux since 1995. He is a contributing editor of Decanter, a contributor to The World of Fine Wine, author of The Heart of Bordeaux, and a contributor to several wine books including the Global Encyclopedia of Wine.

Best French Wine Book, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards