The high-flyers from the ‘other’ classification
The 1855 classification is one of the first things we all learn about Bordeaux: the ranking of the most important wines in the Medoc from first to fifth growth. (The next thing that you should learn is that it is very out of date). The Cru Bourgeois classification is a different Medoc list, encompassing some of the chateaux that the 1855 classification bypasses. Notionally, Cru Bourgeois is a level below the classed growths of 1855, although in fact there is more than a little quality overlap between the two. And unlike the 1855 classification, the Cru Bourgeois classification is regularly revisited through a series of pretty rigorous blind tastings. This means things can get fraught: the 2003 classification was entirely annulled in the face of legal challenges.
The most recent re-ranking dates from 2020, and includes three tiers: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, and at the top, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. While the ranking lists 179 Crus Bourgeois and 56 Crus Bourgeois Superieurs, there are only 14 Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels. The Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel mixed case we are offering contains a bottle from each of those exceptional chateaux, and all from the top-notch 2019 Bordeaux vintage – it represents a chance to discover some seriously good value Bordeaux quality.
These are chateaux that are doing everything right, and which have soared to the top of their classification. From St-Estephe, Le Crock benefits from the winemaking expertise of the Leoville Poyferre team. Lilian Ladouys has had a lot of money spent on it, and is living up to its terroir on the Cos plateau. Le Boscq has vineyards abutting Calon Segur. From Margaux, where Paveil de Luze is all menthol and cassis, d’Arsac is fine and floral (and very Margaux). The Haut-Medoc chateaux represent a roll call of good terroir, hard work, investment and consultants - the hand of the great Stephane Derenoncourt is behind more than one. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Spring 2022
14 bottle wooden case containing one of each the following, all from 2019: D`Agassac, Arnauld, D`Arsac, Belle-Vue, Cambon La Pelouse, Charmail, Le Boscq, Le Crock, Lestage, Lilian Ladouys, Malescasse, de Malleret, Paveil de Luze, Du Taillan
