Bordeaux Uncorked Part II: Left Bank – Gravel, Glory & the Kingdom of Cabernet

If Bordeaux had a wild side, this would be it. Stretching between the crashing Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Gironde Estuary, the Médoc is a place where nature is still firmly in charge. Winds whip across vast beaches, pine forests meet endless vineyards, surfers share the landscape with winemakers, and beneath it all lies the gravel that has made some of the world's greatest wines possible.

Welcome to the Left Bank – the undisputed Kingdom of Cabernet Sauvignon.

This evening we'll discover why gravel is worth getting excited about, how two huge bodies of water create the perfect climate for ripening Cabernet, and why this seemingly rugged peninsula has become home to some of the most famous wines on earth.

We'll explore the legendary 1855 Classification, created at the request of Napoleon III for the Paris Exposition, and uncover why names such as First Growth and Grand Cru Classé still carry such extraordinary prestige nearly 170 years later. We'll also delve into the fascinating story of the Crus Bourgeois – a classification whose roots stretch back to the Middle Ages and which continues to champion exceptional Médoc estates offering remarkable quality and value.

But Bordeaux never stands still. In 2025 the Médoc celebrated a milestone as its very first white Médoc wines received official PDO recognition. We'll taste how Cabernet's homeland is evolving, discovering elegant whites bursting with citrus, peach, apricot, tropical fruit and delicate floral aromas, while learning why sustainability, biodiversity and environmental certification are shaping the future of the region. 

Whether you're fascinated by the great classified growths or simply want to understand why Left Bank Bordeaux remains the benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon around the world, this is an evening that will change the way you think about Bordeaux forever.

We’ll taste through a minimum of 7 outstanding Left Bank wines, from benchmark appellations to hidden gems, discovering why the Médoc continues to define fine wine for generations of wine lovers.

We try to accommodate all dietary requirements, providing we are notified at least 48hrs in advance. Please note gates will open 30 minutes before the start of the class.