When speaking of Bordeaux, Graves and Pessac-Léognan are often left out of the conversation when discussing the Left Bank/Right Bank divide. This is a glaring omission. Some of the region's best wines and values can be found here—and in 2025, the appellation delivered at every level, from the grand crus to the everyday drinking wines, and from the reds to what may be the finest dry whites of the entire campaign.

Understanding Graves and Pessac-Léognan

Just south of the Haut-Médoc, Graves extends for 50 km from the city of Bordeaux along the western bank of the Garonne River to the far reaches of Sauternes. The northern half of Graves, surrounding the city of Bordeaux itself, is its most historic zone and the source of its finest dry wines, both red and white. Graves is the only major region of Bordeaux to produce top examples of all three principal Bordeaux wine styles: dry red, dry white, and sweet white.

The soils of Graves are dominated by gravel deposited by the shifting course of the nearby Garonne, concentrated in the northern section, while farther south soils contain increasing amounts of limestone and sand. The northern section is also home to the nested appellation of Pessac-Léognan, created in 1987 to distinguish producers in the north from those farther south and to respond to urban expansion. Since then, producers in the appellation's ten communes — all suburbs of the city of Bordeaux—have benefited from the distinction along with stricter regulations governing the production of dry red and white wines. The creation of Pessac-Léognan also marked a turning point for quality and investment in the region.

The 2025 Vintage in Pessac-Léognan

In 2025 this appellation quietly outperformed expectations. The combination of gravel soils, urban heat moderation, and the stylistic discipline of its top producers suited the vintage perfectly—delivering wines of real finesse and precision that sit comfortably alongside the best of the Left Bank at a fraction of the price. The dry whites in particular were as complete as any whites tasted across the entire vintage. If you missed Pessac-Léognan in 2025, you missed the quiet steal of the campaign.

The Wines

Haut-Bailly

2025 Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan (Pre-Arrival) $99.99
98-100JA 98-99JS 97-99JD 98DC 96-98TWP 96-98VN 95-97CK 93-96TWI

The critics agree that the 2025 Haut-Bailly is one of the wines of the vintage, earning top scores across the board. Jane Anson awarded 98–100 points, declaring it "absolutely makes you smile and is right up at the top of my expectations." James Suckling awarded 98–99 points, praising its exceptional harmony. Jeb Dunnuck called it "a sensational Haut-Bailly all about finesse and elegance" before simply saying: "You should buy this." Véronique Sanders and her team have gone from strength to strength, and at under $100 this is one of the clearest value propositions in the entire vintage.

Smith Haut Lafitte

2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, Pessac-Léognan (Pre-Arrival) $174.99
98-99JS 96-98JD 95JA 94-96TWP 94-95VN

2025 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge, Pessac-Léognan (Pre-Arrival) $99.99
97-99JD 98JA 97-98JS 97DC 95-97TWP 95-97VN

Smith Haut Lafitte made one of the whites of the vintage and perhaps one of the vintage's best values in their red. Jeb Dunnuck awarded the red up to 99 points, highlighting "so much energy and depth," with multiple critics praising its expansive and fragrant profile. This year's vintage carries a special label commemorating the passing of Daniel Cathiard, the estate owner instrumental in revitalizing Smith Haut Lafitte, who passed away in February. A fitting tribute to a remarkable legacy.

Les Carmes Haut-Brion

2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan (Pre-Arrival) $114.99
99-100JS 96-98JD 96-98TWP 95-98RP 95-97CK 95-97VN 94-97TWI 96JA

Known for pioneering use of whole-cluster fermentation and an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Franc among the Left Bank, Les Carmes Haut-Brion captures the Bordeaux blend at its most floral and lifted — and it suited the 2025 vintage perfectly. James Suckling awarded up to 100 points. Every major critic aligned on the same signature: fresh floral aromatics and sleekly sculpted tannic texture. Few wines offer this much originality, and given the buzz around this estate, the price will likely catch up soon.