Welcome, Wine Lovers!
Let’s take a journey to the Left Bank of Bordeaux, where the wines are as legendary as the châteaux that dot its landscape. With eight years of winemaking experience—and sourcing South American fruit to double my harvest cycles—I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Bordeaux. But there’s a twist to this classic story: Carmenère, a grape with a history as rich as the wines it creates.
My signature Left Bank blend, Midnight Archer, is an homage to this historic style, bringing together Old World tradition with a grape once thought lost to Bordeaux. It’s a fan favorite, earning double gold medals and ratings as high as 95 points. You can find it in our online shop or through other fine wine retailers.
The Essence of Left Bank Bordeaux
What Makes Left Bank Wines Special?
The Left Bank of Bordeaux is world-renowned for its:
- Gravelly soils that provide exceptional drainage for vines.
- Mighty views of the Gironde River, a defining feature of the region.
- Structured and cellar-worthy wines, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.
These wines are built for aging, with firm tannins, deep complexity, and remarkable longevity. It’s a region where tradition meets modernity, and every bottle tells the story of skilled artisans and the power of terroir.
A Historical Twist: The Return of Carmenère
Before phylloxera devastated France’s vineyards in the mid-19th century, Carmenère was a staple in Left Bank Bordeaux blends. This late-ripening, spice-infused varietal disappeared from France but survived in Chile, where it was rediscovered and reintroduced to the world.
At Cellar Beast, we celebrate this forgotten gem in our Dark Angel and Midnight Archer blends. Working alongside our head winemaker, Matt Check, I had the incredible opportunity to craft a Left Bank-inspired blend that mirrors what Bordeaux wines tasted like over 200 years ago.
Fun Fact: Many historic Bordeaux blends contained Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Carmenère before the latter nearly vanished from France.
The Grape Lineup: Cabernet Sauvignon & Beyond
Tasting the Terroir: The Left Bank Blend
At the heart of Left Bank Bordeaux wines is Cabernet Sauvignon, known for:
- Deep color and structure
- Bold blackcurrant, cedar, and dark cherry flavors
- Firm tannins that allow decades of aging
But it’s not alone. Other key players in the blend include:
- Cabernet Franc – Adds floral notes and softens structure when needed.
- Merlot – Introduces a plush, juicy character to make wines more approachable.
- Carmenère – A historical addition, bringing peppery spice and red fruit depth.
What Does Left Bank Bordeaux Taste Like?
Think about a bottle of red Bordeaux from the Left Bank. You open the bottle, pouring to see that ruby color. It’s a swirl in the mouth, perhaps a bit of graphite and, you know, a bit more violet along with the Carmenère's added complexity. You take the sip. It’s assertive, it’s punchy and the tannins are laying down the law: ‘I can do this all day.’ But then, as it blows off, you put the wine in the mouth, and you get your blackberry but then it goes down to a savory, herbal note, at the end: long, layered, and memorable.
With time, the wine softens and evolves, revealing layers of dried fruit, truffle, and cigar box aromas.
Pairing Left Bank Bordeaux with Food
These structured, tannic wines need rich, flavorful foods to create balance.
- Perfect Pairings for Left Bank Reds:
- Grilled steak & lamb – Tannins soften with protein.
- Aged cheeses – Comté, Gruyère, or cheddar.
- Wild mushrooms & truffle dishes – Complement earthy notes.
Pairing tip: The older the wine, the more delicate and complex the flavors—opt for refined dishes that won’t overpower it.
From Vineyard to Glass: A Story in Every Sip
Blending old-world techniques with a grape thought lost to history has been an incredible journey. As winemakers, we face new challenges every vintage, but our goal remains the same: to craft wines that respect tradition while embracing innovation.
When you sip our Left Bank-style Bordeaux, you’re not just drinking wine—you’re experiencing history, passion, and craftsmanship in every glass.
Explore our selection and bring a taste of history to your collection: Shop Now.
Cheers to Exploration!
To all of you curious and adventurous wine lovers, cheers! May your wine collection be as exciting and surprising as a 200-year-old Bordeaux blend.
Ready to taste history? Discover Midnight Archer.
About Cellar Beast: Where Wine Meets Passion
At Cellar Beast, we are more than just winemakers—we are storytellers. Our wines are crafted with precision, passion, and a deep respect for tradition.
What We Offer:
- Exclusive small-batch wines, including natural and sparkling selections.
- Tastings that feel like immersive wine courses, guided by our expert sommeliers.
- A thriving wine club that provides early access to award-winning bottles.
As a woman-owned winery, Cellar Beast has earned Double Golds and Best in Class awards, with wines rated up to 97 points. Located minutes from the Lizard Creek Inn, we focus on French-inspired varieties, setting us apart in a region known for sweeter wines.
Join our Wine Club for exclusive bottles, discounts, and a deeper connection to our craft.
