Bordeaux Flashcards
The Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) was created to delimit and enforce France’s wine appellation system in?
1935
Which are the Current French Wine Classifications?
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlee / Protégée (AOC/AOP)
Vin de Pays / Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)
Vin de France (formerly Table Wine)
How many hectares is Bordeaux?
nearly 111,500 hectares
Bordeaux produces which styles?
Red, white, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines are produced.
Six grapes are allowed for Bordeaux AOP red wines:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmènere
Malbec is known as?
Pressac on the Right Bank
Château Mouton-Rothschild was elevated from second growth to first in?
1973 (Picasso made the label)
Name the growths of Saint Estephe
Cos d’Estournel and Montrose 2nd Growth
Calon Segur 3d Growth
Lafon-Rochet 4th Growth
Cos Labory 5th Growth
Name the growths of Paillac
1st growths: Lafite, Mouton, Latour
2nd: Pichon Longueville Baron, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
3d: ————-
4th: Duhart-Milon
5th: Clerk Milon, Lynch Bages, Pontet Canet, Bailly, Haut-Bataille, Haut-Bages-Libéral, Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Grand-Puy-Ducasse, Lynch-Moussas, Château d’Armailhac, Pédesclaux, Croizet Bages
Name the growths of St-Julien
2nd: Leoville Barton, Poyferre, las Cases, Gruaud-Larose, Ducru Beaucaillou
3d: Lagrange, Langoa Barton,
4th: Beychevelle, Talbot, Saint-Pierre, Branaire-Ducru
5th: ————
Name the growths of Margaux
1st: Margaux
2nd: Rauzan-Ségla, Gassies, Durfort Vivens, Brane Cantenac, Lascombes
3rd: Palmer, d’Issan, Giscours, Kirwan, Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, Desmirail, Ferriere, Marquis d’Alesme Becker, Boyd Cantenac, Cantenac-Brown
4th: Pouget, Marquis de Terme, Prieuré-Lichine
5th: Dauzac, Château du Tertre
Name the growths of Haut-Medoc
3d: Château La Lagune
4th: La Tour Carnet
5th: Cantemerle, Belgrave, Château de Camensac
Name the communes of Margaux
Margaux, Cantenac, Soussans, Labarde, Arsac
Name the growths of Margaux commune
1st: Margaux
2nd: Rauzan Segla/Gassies, , Durfort and Lascombes
3d: Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, Ferrière, Marquis d’Alesme Becker
4th: Marquis de Terme
Name the growths of Arsac
5th: Chateau du Tertre
Name the growths of Labarde
3rd: Giscours
5th: Dauzac
Name the growths of Cantenac
2nd: Brane-Cantenac
3d: Palmer, Desmirail, Kirwan, d’Issan, Cantenac Brown, Boyd Cantenac
4th: Prieuré-Lichine
5th: ———–
Yields for Haut-Medoc communes?
57hl/ha
Which was the first Chateau of Bordeaux?
Pape Clement in 1305
The mixture of sand, gravel and light clay in Graves is known as?
boulbenes
When was Chateau Cantemerle classified?
1856
Who owns château d’Armailhac?
Purchased by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1934, the estate is currently owned by the Mouton Rothschild branch of the Rothschild family.
Name the second labels of the 1st growths
Lafite: Carruades de Lafite
Latour: Forts de Latour
Margaux: Pavillon Rouge
Mouton: Petit Mouton
Haut-Brion: Le Clarence and Le Clarte
Name the second wine of Ducru Beaucaillou
La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou
Name the second wine of Cos d’Estournel
Pagodes de Cos
Name the second wine of Montrose
La Dame de Montrose
Name the second wine of Leoville las Cases
Le Petit Lion
Name the second wine of Leoville Barton
La Réserve de Léoville Barton
Name the second wine of Leoville Poyferre
Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré
Name the second wine of Pichon Longueville Baron
Les Tourelles de Longueville (1986)
Starting with the 2012 vintage, Pichon Baron added a new, higher-end second wine to their portfolio; Les Griffons de Pichon Baron
(produced from some of the estate’s oldest vines that are also used to create the Grand Vin. Starting with the 2020 vintage, for 6 months of the aging, Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is aged in amphora)
Name the second wine of Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Pichon Comtesse Réserve
Name the second wine of Durfort-Vivens
There is a second wine that is sold under two names, Vivens, and Le Relais de Durfort Vivens
Name the second wine of Brane-Cantenac
Le Baron de Brane
Name the second wine of Rauzan-Segla
Segla
Name the second wine of Rauzan-Gassies
Chevaler de Rauzan Gassies
Name the second wine of Gruaud-Larose
Sarget de Gruaud Larose
Name the second wine of Chateau Lascombes
Chevalier de Lascombes
Name the second label of Palmer
Alter Ego
Name the scond label of Calon Segur
Le Marquis de Calon Ségur
Name the scond label of Lagrange
Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Name the scond label of Kirwan
Les Charmes de Kirwan
Name the scond label of Lagune
Moulin de la Lagune
Name the scond label of d’Issan
Blason d’Issan
Name the scond label of Giscours
La Sirène de Giscours
Name the scond label of Malescot ST Exupery
La Dame de Malescot
Name the scond label of Cantenac Brown
BriO de Cantenac Brown
Name the scond label of Talbot
Connetable de Talbot
Name the scond label of Beychevelle
Amiral de Beychevelle
Name the scond label of Lafon Rochet
There are 2 second wines, Les Pelerins de Lafon Rochet and Les Secrets de Lafon Rochet
Name the scond label of Duhart-Milon
Moulin de Duhart
Name the scond label of Lascombes
Chevalier de Lascombes
Name the scond label of Prieure Lichine
Confidences de Prieure Lichine, and Le Cloitre du Chateau Prieure Lichine
Name the scond label of Brainaire Ducru
Duluc de Branaire Ducru
This estate was known as Mouton-Baronne-Philippe from 1933-1988
Château d’Armailhac
Cremant de Bordeaux ageing sur lie?
9 months
Phylloxera arrived in Bordeaux in?
1869
Name the top vintages of 1940s
1945 was one of the all-time great vintages of Bordeaux, followed by 1947 and 1949
Château bottling finally became compulsory for classified estates in the Médoc in?
1972
Which was a breakout vintage in the 1980s?
The 1982 vintage was a breakout, particularly in the mind of the new American critic Robert Parker. Fruit, concentration, and the desirability of new oak increasingly stood out as chief attributes, and the wines of the right bank finally began to take their place next to the great wines of the Médoc
Name the trio dry and warm vintages of 80s
1988-1990
Name some wine consultants from Bodreaux
Emile Peynaud were Michel Rolland, Stéphane Derenoncourt, Denis Dubourdieu, and others.
Eric Boissenot: Advising 4 out of 5 First Growths is almost unheard of. No other consultant has that level of access and trust at the top.
Volume + Prestige:
Over 200 châteaux in Médoc alone — but he’s not just prolific; he’s working with the most prestigious estates.
Track Record:
Involved in multiple 100-point wines, consistent critical acclaim across vintages.
Discreet but powerful:
Unlike some celebrity consultants, Boissenot avoids the spotlight, which has only added to his reputation — those in the know deeply respect him.
Other big-name consultants (for context):
Michel Rolland – Famous globally, more flamboyant style, worked in over 20 countries. Known for richness and ripe fruit, oak driven, especially in Right Bank Bordeaux. Château Angélus, Château Ausone, Pavie
Stéphane Derenoncourt – Known for a more terroir-driven, biodynamic approach; influential in Right Bank, Derenoncourt Wines (Côtes de Castillon), famous for Pavie-Mcquin
Denis Dubourdieu (deceased) – Great for whites epsecially Graves and Pessac Leognan as well as noble sweet wines and scientific innovation in Bordeaux (“Pope of White Bordeaux”), Château Carbonnieux , Yquem and Doisy-Daëne
Denis Dourantou: The man behind Château L’Église-Clinet in Pomerol, Known for making wines that rivaled Pétrus and Le Pin—but at a fraction of the price (at least for a while).
Profound, age-worthy, structured wines with floral lift, density, and freshness—never over-extracted or flashy
His approach has inspired a generation of Bordeaux winemakers, especially in Pomerol and the satellite appellations
Elevated lesser Right Bank AOCs by treating them with First Growth seriousness
especially Les Cruzelles, which often tastes like baby L’Église-Clinet.
Thomas Duclos emphasizing on purity, freshness and precision avoiding over extraction and oak, Troplong Mondot, Canon, Giscours
Chateau Latour left en primeur in?
2012
Name the second label of Cos Labory
Le Saint Estèphe de Cos Labory
Name the second label of Batailley
Lions de Batailley
Name the second label of Clerc Milon
Pastourelle de Clerc-Milon
Which Chateaus does not have a second label?
Château d’Armailhac, Château Marquis d’Alesme-Becker
Name the second label of Pontet Canet
Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet
Name the second label of Graud-Larose
Sarget de Gruaud-Larose
Name the second label of Chateau du Tertre
Les Hauts du Tertre
Cru Artisan, a designation that has been in use for nearly a century and a half, was formally recognized in?
2002
The crus artisans work an average of six hectares each. Following a review in 2023, the number of producers has decreased to 33, reflecting changes in ownership. Rankings will now be updated every 5 years, as opposed to every 10 as previously required.
Chateau Ladoix (St Estephe)
Cru Bourgeois, originally introduced in ?
1932 gave 444 properties
cru bourgeois exceptionnel, cru bourgeois supérieur, and the basic cru bourgeois
Exceptionnel: Château Malescasse, Potensac, Chasse Spleen
Graves AOP authorises?
Dry reds and whites
Graves Supérieures AOP authorises?
only sweet wines
Graves Classification was made official in?
1959
Name the classified Chateaux of Graves for both colors
Château Bouscaut
Château Carbonnieux
Domaine de Chevalier
Château Malartic-Lagravière
Château La Tour-Martillac
Château Olivier
Name the classified Chateaux of Graves for reds
Château de Fieuzal
Château Haut-Bailly
Château Haut-Brion
Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Château Pape-Clément
Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte
Name the classified Chateaux of Graves for whites
Château Couhins
Château Couhins-Lurton
Château Laville-Haut-Brion
About 80% of Pessac-Léognan production today is ?
red
Name the communes of production of Sauternes
Barsac, Sauternes, Fargues, Preignac, Bommes
Barsac and Sauternes became AOC in?
1936
Max yields for Sauternes and Barsac?
25hl/ha
Minimum Potential Alcohol, must weight and RS for Sautenes and Barsac?
Minimum Potential Alcohol: 15% (12% acquired)
Minimum Must Weight: 221 g/l
Minimum Residual Sugar: 45 g/l
Minimum Planting Density and elevage for Sauternes and Barsac?
Élevage: The wines may not be released until June 30 of the year following the harvest
Minimum Planting Density: 6,500 vines per hectare
Sauternes’ vineyards are situated near the confluence of two rivers:
the Ciron and the Garonne
Sauternes can hit a finished alcohol level and RS of?
14% while climbing into a residual sugar range of 120-160 g/l
“Ygrec” white first debuted in?
1959
Name the styles and the communes of Cerons AOP
Cerons, Illats, Podensac
sweet white wines under the Cérons AOP or dry white and red wines labeled Graves
There are a few white grape vineyards in the Right Bank in?
Blaye and Bourg
This small graves zone, on Saint-Émilion’s perimeter, is home to ?
Château Figeac, one of the few Saint-Émilion properties with a substantial amount of Cabernet Sauvignon planted, and Château Cheval Blanc, a property that often blends more Cabernet Franc than Merlot into the grand vin
The first list of premier grand cru classé (divided into A and B tiers), grand cru classé, and grand cru estates was completed in?
1955
Pomerol max yields?
49hl/ha
Pomerol’s soils?
The surface gravels of Pomerol’s plateau are laid over, and often amalgamated with, clay and interweaved with bands of crasse de fer—iron-rich sand deposits celebrated by some producers as part of the “magic” of Pomerol’s terroir. The third terrace, located at a higher elevation in eastern Pomerol, consists of purer, water-retaining clay with some gravel. This is clearest at the buttonière (“buttonhole”), an area of deep blue clay at Pomerol’s highest and easternmost point, spanning just 20 hectares.
Fronsac and Canon Fronsac produces which styles?
Rouge:
Principal Varieties: Min. 80% combined Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot
Accessory Varieties: Cot (Malbec), max. 10% Petit Verdot, max. 10% Carmenère
The best hillside sites in Fronsac are in the communes of?
Saillans and La Rivière
Red wines of Fronsac and Canon Fronsac include in the blends mostly?
80-100% Merlot
Canon is typically held in higher regard
Name the top producers of Fronsac and Canon Fronsac
Château Grand-Renouil and Château Gaby are among the top tier of properties in Canon Fronsac. Some of the best estates in Fronsac today include Château Dalem, Château de La Dauphine and the Michel Rolland-owned Château Fontenil. The largest property in the region is Château de La Rivière
Name the rivers of Pomerol
Encircled by the Isle and Barbanne rivers and the town of Libourne
Four satellite appellations are located to the north of Saint-Émilion itself:
Lussac-Saint-Émilion AOP, Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion AOP, Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOP, and Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion AOP
Merlot is the dominant grape
Saint-Georges is the smallest
Montagne produces the most
Lussac is the northernmost satellite
Puisseguin is the highest in elevation
Pomerol has one satellite of its own:
Lalande-de-Pomerol AOP
Merlot dominates
Entre-Deux Mers achieved AOC status solely for white wines back in 1937—further restricted to dry whites in 1953
Principal Varieties: Min. 70% combined Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle, and Sémillon
Accessory Varieties: Colombard, and Ugni Blanc
but Merlot dominates the region’s vineyards today, destined for Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOP wines
Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire produces?
dry and sweet white wines, occasionally with a touch of botrytis
Right Bank between Loupiac and Cadillac
The Haut-Benauge designation may also be applied to?
off-dry Bordeaux AOP whites Moelleux style from the same area
subzone of Entre deux Mers
Entre deux Mers AOP/Entre deux Mers Haut-Benauge has Mauzac
Premières Côtes de Bordeaux – Haut-Benauge White Off-dry to sweet (moelleux)
Entre-Deux-Mers – Haut-Benauge White Dry
Three superior sweet wine appellations lie within the Premières Côtes:
—Cadillac, Loupiac, and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont—
Right Bank
Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOP, a thin ribbon of hillsides on the right bank of the Garonne, was re-envisioned with the launch of the Côtes de Bordeaux AOP in 2009 as a?
sweet white wine-only appellation, mandating at least 34 g/l of residual sugar. Sémillon is the appellation’s dominant grape
Graves de Vayres AOP produces?
sweet wines
Name the subzones of Côtes de Bordeaux AOP
Francs, Cadillac, Castillon, Blaye, Sainte Foy
debuted in 2009 to rebrand and unify numerous outlying appellations in Bordeaux under a common banner in the marketplace
Castillon and Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux are reserved for?
red wines
Cadillac AOP sweet wines
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux AOP reds
Blaye, Francs, and Sainte-Foy produce?
Blaye: red
Francs: red, very few whites and sweet
St Foy: red, white and sweet
Cadillac AOP produces?
sweet white wines
Bourg AOP produces?
both
90% reds Merlot based
10-5% few whites
The region also has the highest concentration of Malbec vines anywhere in Bordeaux
Name a top producer from Bourg
Château Roc de Cambes: a Saint-Émilion vigneron named François Mitjaville bought the run-down property in 1987 and showed the world the potential of Bourg
Blaye AOP and Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux AOP produces which styles?
reds only
Which Chateaux of Pomerol has the highest Cabernet Franc in the blend?
Chateau Lafleur
VCC
Chateau de Beauregard
Name the top Chateaux of Pomerol
Petrus
Le Pin
Clos du Closer
La Conseillante
La Croix de Gay
l’Eglise Clinet
l’Evangile
Trotanoy
La Fleur Petrus
Gazin
Hosanna (Moueix)
Lafleur
Rouget
VCC
Who were influencial for Pomerol wines?
Moueix who introduced green harvesting in the 80s
Michel Rolland
Thienpont Families
Some top vintages for Pomerol?
1982,2009,2015,2016
Cheval Blanc size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
39ha
probably the first estate in the Right Bank to install this type of drainage system
At first, Chateau Cheval Blanc sold their wine under the Figeac label
In 2009, LVMH purchased the shares owned by Bernard Arnault in a private transaction
Second wine, Le Petit Cheval
In 2009, 2010, and again in 2015, they produced candidates for wine of the vintage and 1947
1991 did not produce
Located on the Pomerol border in the northwest portion of Saint Emilion
Their vines abut those of Chateau LEvangile. When you look closely, it is easy to see that close to 30% of their terroir resembles that of the top Pomerol estates
Cheval Blanc is planted to 52% Cabernet Franc and 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon today, but the goal is to return to the original mix of 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon represents a change in the vineyard plantings
The vines at Cheval Blanc are old, averaging 45 years of age. They have 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted in the 1950s
However, some of the older parcels of Cabernet Franc are close to 100 years of age, as they were planted in 1920! The old vines are the source of their massal selection program
Their best parcel is well placed in the middle of their vineyards directly in front of the chateau, with the deep, blue clay soils, where you find their older Cabernet Franc vines.
Cheval Blanc has a complex terroir that consists of 3 different soils. Even though the vineyards are in one large parcel, this can be divided up as follows: 40% of their soils are gravel over multiple types of clay, including blue clay.
Another 40% of their terroir has deep gravel soils, while the remaining 20% of their soils consist of sandy clay in the soil
vinification takes place in 67 different temperature-controlled, cement vats that vary in size
Malolactic takes place in tanks
The wines are aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for close to 18 months before bottling
Le Petit Cheval Bordeaux Blanc in 2015 was 100% Sauvignon Blanc but in 2018 includes a 20% Semillon and is barrel fermented and aged
Cheval Blanc also maintains an interest in the Mendoza region of Argentina where they produce the wine Cheval des Andes
Chateau Ausone size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
7ha
Chateau Ausone is one of the few famed Bordeaux estates that has remained a family vineyard. In fact, only 3 different families have owned the vineyard since it was originally created
Alain Vauthier is the manager of the Chateau
It is expected that Pauline Vauthier will eventually become fully in charge of the property in the years to come
The style of wine at Chateau Ausone is unlike most other wines. Minerality, from the massive limestone deposits in the soil, is what most tasters notice. The fruit retains a beautiful purity.
The wine is rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, yet it is not heavy. There is a lot of tannins, but the tannins are ripe. The wine offers powerful aromatics, filled with ripe black, blue and dark red fruits, accompanied by licorice, floral and crushed rock scents. Ausone is built to age
55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 45 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot
Cabernet Sauvignon is only included in the second wine
There is a second wine, La Chapelle d’Ausone, which made its debut in 1995. La Chapelle d’Ausone is on average a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. Although a very minor portion of Cabernet Sauvignon can be added as well in select vintages
The vines are old, in fact, the average age of the vines is 50 years. However, Chateau Ausone also has some of the oldest vines in St. Emilion. There are Cabernet Franc vines that are more than 100 years of age. The oldest vines were planted in 1906
Yields are low 33hl/ha
The Grand Vin is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels up to 24 months, depending on the character and richness of the vintage
Much of the vineyard enjoys southeast exposure. At its peak, the plateau reaches up to 85 meters in elevation with limestone and clay soils
Chateau Angelus size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
42ha
Chateau Angelus has one of the longest histories in the St. Emilion appellation and is still owned by the de Bouard family
The family has been in Bordeaux since 1544
In 1922, Elisabeth Bouchet, the second wife of Maurice de Bouard de La Forest purchased a 3.5-hectare parcel of vines known as Clos L’Angelus and the estate was born
Hubert de Bouard was one of the first Bordeaux vignerons to embrace fermenting in open-top vats and conducting malolactic fermentation in small barrels. He started employing other techniques that were popular in Burgundy but were not widely used at the time in Bordeaux. This included fermenting with whole berries, aging on the lees, harvesting, and vinifying on a parcel by parcel basis.
To further improve the wines of Chateau Angelus, Hubert de Bouard lowered yields, increased the leaf canopies, began green harvesting, improved the selection, and started aging the wines in new, French oak barrels. He changed the rootstocks to lower-yielding, increased the density in the vineyard, and improved the drainage system. While all of these practices are standard at all well-managed vineyards today, at the time, they were almost revolutionary!
50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot is planted in soils with more clay and limestone, while the Cabernet Franc is planted in gravel, limestone, and sand terroir. Chateau Angelus was one of the earliest proponents of Cabernet Franc in Saint Emilion
12 hectares of vines are used for Le Carillon de l’Angelus and No 3
The estate has old vines dating all the way back to 1918. While the oldest vines are Merlot, the estate has 10 hectares of Cabernet Franc that are more than 60 years of age
Certified organic in 2021
Today, 50% of the Cabernet Franc is aged in neutral foudres, adding more freshness and purity to the wine.
The wine is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for between 18-24 months
Starting with the 2016 vintage, they debuted a wine produced from 100% Cabernet Franc, Hommage à Elisabeth Bouchet
and only produced in the best vintages
comes from some of the estate’s oldest Cabernet Franc vines ranging in age from 65 to 85 years of age, with some vines that are more than 100 years old. The oldest vines were planted by Maurice de Bouard
The 2016 vintage of Hommage à Elisabeth Bouchet was aged in 100% new, French oak, while the 2018 was aged in 80% new, French oak barrels, with the remaining 20% of the wine aged in foudres. But things changed in 2019 when they began aging the wine in 80% foudres and 20% new, French oak barrels. 2022 was aged in 100% foudres. So as you can see, the aging varies depending on the vintage and the needs of the wine. The wine is aged for 22 months before bottling
he production is quite small as only 5 barrels are produced. The bottles are numbered and packaged in individual, wood cases with roughly only 1200 bottles, 300 magnums and a few double magnums being produced
Starting with the 2020 vintage, the estate began producing a small amount of white Bordeaux wine, Angelus Grand Vin Blanc, which is made from a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon
The style of Chateau Angelus is pure silk and velvet. It’s a rich, full-bodied and concentrated, Bordeaux wine, offering silky, cashmere textures that are filled with luscious, opulent, spicy dark fruit, licorice, spice, and truffle that ages extremely well
Name the St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B
Château Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse
Château Beau-Sejour Becot
Château Belair-Monange
Château Canon
Château Canon La Gaffeliere
Clos Fourtet
Château Larcis Ducasse
La Mondotte
Château Pavie Macquin
Château Troplong Mondot
Château Trotte Vieille
Valandraud
Chateau Figeac size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
42ha
Figeac is an ancient Bordeaux vineyard! In fact, the genesis of the estate can be dated as far back as the second century during the ancient Gallo-Roman period. At that time, the owner of the property, Figeacus gave his name to the villa he built in the same location.
Thierry Manoncourt took over managing the property starting in 1946
Thierry Manoncourt made the then-bold move of having Figeac be the first major estate in the Right Bank to use temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats in the fermentation room. This took place in 1971. It was also the idea of Thierry Manoncourt to have Chateau Figeac become the first important estate in the Right Bank to produce a second wine
He passed away in 2010
Premier Cru Classe A
2015 one of the best vintages
35% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot
Average age of vines 45y with some 100y old
Figeac is situated in the graves region of Saint Emilion, which takes its name as you might guess, from the gravel in the soil
at the northwest part
Chateau Figeac is then aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for between 14 to 18 months before bottling
Second wine called Petit Figeac
Style resembles more of a Left Bank Bordeaux Wine structured, tannic, ageworthy
Chateau Pavie size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
The slopes of Chateau Pavie and Ausone were first planted by the ancient Romans in the fourth century
Premier Grand Cru Classe A
The 50-hectare St. Emilion vineyard of Chateau Pavie is planted with 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
The vines are old, averaging close to 50 years of age.
At Pavie, the terroir does not promote early ripening. In fact, Chateau Pavie is often one of the last Saint Emilion estates to finish harvesting. Pavie is also the largest of all the Premier Cru Classe A vineyards at 42 hectares
The wine of Chateau Pavie is aged in 75% new, French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months
There is a second wine, Aromes de Pavie
Chateau Pavie is a unique style of Bordeaux wine. The wine is deeply colored. In fact, it’s often opaque in the best years. Chateau Pavie is rich, filled with minerality and a special purity of fruit that only comes from the world’s best wines.
It’s mouth-filling with its density, offering a fabulous intensity of flavors that often resemble plums, blackberry, truffle, chocolate, licorice, blueberry, and spice, with minerality. Pavie pairs elegance with power and concentration with the ability to age and evolve for decades. In fact, Pavie is not a great wine to drink young. Chateau Pavie often requires more than 15 years of age to soften and develop its complexities
Chateau Canon size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
34ha
Located on the top of the Saint Emilion limestone
In 1760, when the Saint Emilion vineyard was much smaller than it is today at 13 hectares, it was purchased by Jacques Kanon
In 2012, the chateau began an extensive renovation, which was completed in 2015. In 2014, Nicolas Audebert, the former winemaker at Cheval des Andes, the LVMH property in Mendoza Argentina, was hired to slowly replace the outgoing John Kolasa
Once Nicolas Audebert was placed fully in charge, another change took place later that year when they brought in Thomas Duclos as their consultant
Chateau Canon is a stylish Bordeaux wine. With a real sensation of minerality, ripe dark berries, licorice, and spicy scents, coupled with an opulent personality. It is a wine for consumers with patience. That is because Chateau Canon often takes at least 10-15 or more years before it’s open and ready to drink
2015 Canon is clearly the best wine along with the 2018, 2019 and 2020
70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc
The average age of the vines is now close to 30 years of age. There are old vines, some of which date back to the end of the 1930s
The wine is aged for an average of 18 months in 50% to 60% new, French oak barrels.
second wine, Croix Canon
Chateau Troplong-Mondot size, location, soils, grape composition, viticulture and winemaking, style, second labels, vine age and owners?
37ha
Constructed in 1745
In 1850, Raymond Troplong became the owner of this Right Bank estate. Following the custom of the time, the new owner, Troplong combined the name of the land with his last name and came up with Troplong Mondot.
Eventually, the estate was sold to the well-known negociant, Georges Thienpont from Belgium.
Three years later, Georges Thienpont purchased another property, Vieux Chateau Certan in the neighboring appellation of Pomerol. Needing money after obtaining Vieux Chateau Certan, in 1936, Thienpont was forced to sell Troplong Mondot.
The property at that time passed into the hands of Alexander Valette. Like Georges Thienpont, Alexander Valette was a well known Bordeaux negociant. Chateau Troplong Mondot remained a family-owned property from 1936, until 2017.
2017 first vintage of THOMAS DUCLOS and they switched to freshness, precision and purity
Christine Valette also hired Michel Rolland. Things changed again when Jean-Philippe Fort began to consult the estate in 2000. They changed consultants again with the 2017 vintage when they brought in Thomas Duclos as the consultant.
The first vintage that really stood out for Troplong Mondot was 1989, which was followed by the stunning and exotic, 1990 Troplong Mondot. The decade of the 1990s was mixed for Chateau Troplong Mondot, with 1998 standing out as the best wine of the decade.
Things once again changed for the better with the 2000 Troplong Mondot. From that point forward, the chateau could do no wrong. Vintage after vintage produced great wines. 2005, 2009, and 2010 are all remarkable wines that were overseen by Christine Valette and Xavier Pariente.
85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc
The elevation at the highest point reaches over 100 meters at the top of the plateau, which is the highest point in the entire Saint Emilion appellation
The average age of the vines is about 30 years. But there are old vines that are close to 100 years old
The wine is now aged in on average, 65% new, French oak barrels for 16 to 24 months, but this can vary, depending on the strength and character of the vintage
second wine Mondot
its the last wine to be harvested due to cooler terroir
It’s thick and rich in the mouth, but never heavy. The sensuous wine offers scents of dark plums, licorice, blackberries, coffee, spice, dark cherries, stone, chocolate, flowers, and blackberry liqueur. More sensuous than elegant on the palate, there is an intensity of flavors, coupled with the ability to age and evolve
Which vintages Chateau d’Yquem was not produced?
Chateau d’Yquem ended up declassifying the entire harvest and did not make wine in the following vintages, 1910, 1915, 1930, 1951, 1952, 1964, 1972, 1974, 1992, and 2012
Which was the first vintage of Ygrec?
1959
produced 33 vintages and since 2004 each year
Name the Premier Crus Classes of Sauternes
Chateau Giraud
65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc
maintains one of the highest percentages of Sauvignon Blanc in the Sauternes appellation
Name the Premier Crus Classes of Bommes
Chateau La Tour Blanche
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Chateau Rayne-Vigneau
Chateau Rabaud-Promis
Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud
Name the Premier Crus Classes of Fargues
Chateau Rieussec
Name the Premier Crus Classes of Barsac
Chateau Climens
Chateau Coutet
Name the Premier Crus Classes of Preignac
Chateau Suduiraut
Which are the best Second Growths (Deuxièmes Crus) of Sauternes and Barsac
Sauternes: Chateau d’Arche
Barsac: Chateau Myrat, Chateau Doisy-Daëne/Védrines/Dubroca, Chateau Nairac, Chateau Broustet and Chateau Caillou
Chateau Doisy-Daene (exceptional quality)
Which is the second label of Chateau Suduiraut?
Castelnau de Suduiraut (99% Semillon in some vintages)
Which is the second label of Chateau Climens?
Cypres de Climens (one of the best)
Which is the second label of Giraud?
In 2011, the property renamed its second wine, Le Dauphin de Chateau Guiraud. Previously, the second wine was known as Petit Guiraud. Chateau Guiraud also produces dry white Bordeaux wines named G and in select vintages
One of the freshest sweet wines of the appellation and certified organic and some of the oldest Sauvignon vines in Bordeaux
Which is the second wine of Chateau de Fargues?
There is no second wine. However, in select vintages, the estate produces a dry, white Bordeaux wine, Guilhem de Fargues
unclassified
Which is the second wine of Chateau Coutet?
La Chartreuse de Coutet
Which is the second wine of Chateau Rieussec?
Carmes de Rieussec
Which is the second wine of Chateau Doisy-Daëne ?
La Demoiselle de Doisy
Which is the second wine of Chateau Doisy-Védrines?
Petit Védrines
Name the best vintages of Sauternes/Barsac
1960s: 1962 and 1967
1970s: 1970, 1975(legendary), 1979
1980s: 1983(second best), 1986, 1988, 1989(legendary)
1990s: 1990(legendary), 1995/6/7/9(legendary)
2000s: 2001(legendary), 2003, 2005(legendary), 2007, 2009(legendary, among the best ever),
2010s: 2010(outstanding a bit more delicate thatn 09 and 11), 2011 and 2014(legendary), followed by 2017 and 2019
Name the other sweet wine AOCs apart from Sauternes and Barsac
Cerons (sits in Graves and makes also red and white)
St-Macaire
Cadillac
Graves Superieures
Loupiac
ST-Croix-du-Mont
Bordeaux Superieur
Premieres Cotes
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux and Ste-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux make mouelleux or semi-sweet wines in tiny quantities
Soils and elevations of Sauternes and Barsac?
Barsac is the only one of the five AOC Sauternes to lie north of the Ciron river on limestone soils covered with red loam and is flat up to 25m
Sauternes’s highest point is 75m (Yquem), peyrosol gravel soils from the Quaternary and some patches of planosol clays underpinning gravel in the case of yquem.
AOC Barsac and Sauternes date back to?
1936
Pruning method of Sauternes?
known as eventail (gobelet a cot de Sauternais) for Semillon and Muscadelle
single or double Guyot for Sauvignon
Minimun densities/yields/alc/sugars for Sauternes/Barsac?
6,500vines
25hl/ha and around 40hl for other AOCs
sugar richness 221g/litre
15% min potential alc at picking and min 12%abv after fermentation
Residual sugar at least 45g/l
Name some top dry Sauternes/Barsac?
Ygrec
S de Suduiraut
G de Giraud (one of the best)
Opalie at Coutet (Barsac)
Semillante de Sigalas
Name a biodynamic Chateau of Barsac
Climens
Food pairings with Sauternes/Barsac?
Foie Gras
Why it works: The richness and savory depth of foie gras balance beautifully with the sweetness and acidity of Sauternes and Barsac. The wine’s acidity cuts through the fattiness of the foie gras, while the sweetness complements its rich, unctuous texture.
Pairing tips: Serve foie gras as a terrine, pâté, or seared. Try it with a fruit compote or fig chutney for added contrast
Blue Cheese
Why it works: The salty, tangy flavors of blue cheeses like Roquefort, Stilton, or Gorgonzola contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the wine. The wine’s acidity also helps to balance the creaminess and intensity of the cheese.
Pairing tips: Blue cheese served with honey, figs, or nuts enhances the pairing experience
Roasted or Grilled Poultry (especially Duck)
Why it works: Roasted or grilled duck, particularly with a fruit-based sauce (like orange or cherry), pairs beautifully with the fruity, honeyed notes of Sauternes and Barsac. The wine’s richness enhances the flavor of the meat, while the acidity provides balance.
Pairing tips: Try duck with a berry compote or a rich sauce made from figs or balsamic vinegar
Lobster or Shellfish
Why it works: The delicate sweetness of Sauternes and Barsac complements the sweet, briny flavor of lobster or shellfish. The acidity in the wine refreshes the palate between bites of rich, buttery seafood.
Pairing tips: Lobster with butter sauce, shrimp, or scallops with citrus and herbs work particularly well with the wine’s flavor profile
Rich, Spicy Asian Dishes
Why it works: The sweet, full-bodied character of Sauternes and Barsac can handle the heat and spices of many Asian cuisines, such as Thai or Indian. The wine’s sweetness contrasts with the heat and enhances the umami flavors.
Pairing tips: Pair with dishes like Thai curry, tandoori chicken, or spicy stir-fries with a touch of sweetness
Nut-Based Sweets and Pastries
Why it works: The wine’s fruitiness and sweetness balance beautifully with the rich, toasty flavors of nuts. Pairing with nut-based desserts also complements the wine’s own nutty undertones.
Pairing tips: Pair with almond cakes, walnut tarts, or a hazelnut dacquoise for a delightful contrast.
Name some challenging vintages for Sauternes/Barsac
1960, 1969, 1970, 1972 1973, 1974 1977 (poor)
1980, 1982, 1984 and 1987(poor)
1991 and1992(poor),1993,1994
2000
2002
2004
2012 (yquem did not produce)
2016
2018
Which Chateau produces Cuvee Madame?
Small amounts only in exceptional vintages from Chateau Coutet
Which Chateau’s of Barsac and Sauternes use high proportion of Semillon?
Chateau Climes in Barsac 100% Semillon
Chateau Haut-Peyraguey in Bommes 99% Semillon 1% Sauv
at the highest point of Bommes
Castelnau de Suduiraut
Name the second wine of Chateau Haut-Peyraguey
Symphonie de Haut-Peyraguey
No dry wine
Name the second wine of Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Bommes
La Chapelle de Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Chateau Rieussec is owned by?
Lafite since 1984
lies below Yquem
Name the dry wine of Chateau Rieussec?
R de Rieussec (50-50)
Name some top Chateaus of Sauternes outside the classification of exceptional quality
Domaine de l’Alliance
Chateau Bastor-Lamontagne
Clos Dady
Chateau Gilette
The key communes (villages) within Pessac-Léognan include:
Pessac – Home to the famous Château Haut-Brion and Château Pape Clément.
Léognan – Includes top estates like Château Domaine de Chevalier and Château Malartic-Lagravière.
Talence – Features Château La Mission Haut-Brion.
Mérignac – Contains a few vineyards, though it is largely urban.
Cadaujac – Hosts estates such as Château Baret.
Canéjan – A smaller commune with limited vineyards.
Martillac – Includes Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans – Home to Château de Rochemorin.
Villenave-d’Ornon – Features Château Olivier.
Which is the last permitted variety added in 2023 in Margaux AOP?
Castets (red)
Cos de Estournel is very close to?
Lafite
Cos Labory is owned by?
Cos d’Estournel in 2023
In 2009 Michel Reybier and Chateau Cos d’Estournel purchased vineyards in?
Tokaji with they obtained the Hetszolo estate
Which Chateaux has Tesseron familly?
Lafon-Rochet
2 second wines: Les Pelerins de Lafon Rochet and Les Secrets de Lafon Rochet
Which is the second wine of Cos Labory?
Le Charme de Cos Labory
Which Chateaux has Baron Philippe?
Mouton
Armailhac
Clerc Milon
Almaviva
Opus One
Which chateaux has Lafite?
Duhart Milon
Reiussec
L’Evangile
Domaine de Philippe de Rothchild (Champagne)
Domaine de Aussieres
Bodegas Caro (Argentina)
Penglai Peninsula
Los Vascos
Second label of Pape Clement?
Le Clementin du Pape Clement
Where is Liber Pater?
Graves
with Loic Pasquet
sells his wines Vin de France
small volume (550 bottles in 2015)
small amounts of lesser known varieties like Marselan, Castets etc
Second wines of Martillac, Haut Lafite, La Mission
Lagrave Martillac
Les Haut de Smith/Le Petits haut Lafite
La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion
Which Chateau of Bordeaux has its own AOP?
Chateau Le Puy in Francs Cote de Bordeaux
Which is the second wine of Sigalas Rabaud and Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Lieutenant de Sigalas
La Chapelle de Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Sur Saluces was the owner of Yquem since/until?
1715-1959
Chateau d’yquem resently released a cuvee called ‘6’
multivintage sauternes of secondary lots
realesed 6 times
Le Pin info?
2.7ha
unclassified
1982 Robert Parkers reviews
1979 first vintage and top
Francois Thienppont
100% Merlot
There is no second wine at Le Pin. However, they do produce a tiny amount of Trilogie, which is a multi-vintage blend of 3 different years, made from various declassified lots
Petrus info?
11.5ha
Jean Pierre Moueix
Today, the company portfolio includes ownership in La Fleur Petrus, Trotanoy, Hosanna, Latour-Pomerol, Lagrange and La Grave in Pomerol as well as Bel-Air Monange and others in St. Emilion. In addition, Moueix is responsible for acting as a negociant for a myriad of Pomerol chateaux as well as properties in Saint Emilion and Ulysses and Dominus.
100% Merlot
highest elevation on the Pomerol plateau at 40 meters
only chateau in clay
12 traditional, temperature-controlled, concrete vats. The vats range in size from 50 hectoliters, up to 130 hectoliters. The 12 vats allow for a parcel by parcel vinification
Once the malolactic fermentation is finished, the vats deemed worthy of being bottled as Petrus are blended and placed in an average of 50% new, French oak barrels for 18-20 months
1921, 1929, 1947, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018 rated 100 points
Top vintages for Petrus?
1947 – Immortal. Opulent, exotic, still holding up in rare bottles.
1961 – Monumental. Power, depth, longevity. Rare and insanely expensive.
1982 – Iconic. Plush, ripe, decadent. The vintage that changed Bordeaux pricing.
1990 – Hedonistic. Velvety, rich, already amazing but will live forever.
2000 – Grandiose and perfectly balanced. Power and finesse.
2005 – Classic structure, intense and age-worthy.
2009 – Ultra-rich, lush, decadent Merlot in perfection.
2010 – Monumental, structured, with decades ahead.
2015 – Seductive and pure, very fine tannins.
2016 – Polished, detailed, and age-worthy — considered a modern benchmark.
2018 – Plush, dense, and exotic; slightly higher alcohol but beautifully balanced.
2020 – Already being compared to ‘82 and 2010; lower yields, big quality
Which is the second wine of VCC?
La Gravette de Certan
Which chateau of Pomerol has the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc?
VCC
2016 is a Merlot vintage, with 85% Merlot. 2015 is a Cabernet Franc year, as it is 19% of the blend. 2014 is a Cabernet Franc vintage with 19% of the varietal in the blend. 2012 is a Merlot vintage. 2011 is a Cabernet Franc vintage with 29% included in the assemblage. 2010 is a Merlot vintage.
2009 is a Merlot year, 2008 Cabernet Franc
2009 and 2010 the best and Merlot vintages
Chateau Trotanoy info?
1998, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015. 2016, 2018 and 2019 proved how magnificent this wine is
This 7.6-hectare vineyard of Trotanoy is planted to 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc
The best terroir of Chateau Trotanoy is situated on the Pomerol plateau which has an elevated peak of close to 40 meters
The wine is aged in 40% to 50% new, French oak barrels for between 18 to 20 months before bottling
There is a second wine, L’Esperance de Trotanoy made only in select vintages from declassified lots
Chateau Cantemerle joined the classification in?
1856
Château Malescot-St.-Exupéry is a?
3d growth Margaux
Château Ferrière is a?
3d growth Margaux
Château Marquis-d’Alesme-Becker is a?
3d growth Margaux
Château Boyd-Cantenac is a?
3d growth Margaux
Château St.-Pierre is a?
4th growth St Julien
Château Prieuré-Lichine is a?
4th growth Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
Château Branaire-Ducru is a?
4th growth St Julien
Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild is a?
4th growth Pauillac
Château Pouget is a?
4th growth Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
Château La Tour Carnet is a?
4th growth St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)
Château Marquis de Terme is a?
4th growth Margaux
Château Dauzac is a?
5th growth Labarde (Margaux)
Château Croizet-Bages is a?
5th growth Pauillac
Château Camensac (Château de Camensac) is a?
5th growth St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)
Château Belgrave is a?
5th growth St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a?
5th growth Pauillac
Château Pédesclaux is a?
5th growth Pauillac
Listrac AOC allows which styles?
Only red wines are allowed by AOC law to be produced in the Haut Medoc. The few white Bordeaux wines made in the region are sold as Bordeaux Blanc wine
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape but Merlot is the main
Which AOC is home to the majority of Cru Bourgeois classed chateaux?
LIstrac
Which is the most notable Chateau of Moulis?
Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, responds well to the free-draining qualities of these soils and produces wine of high quality in this section of Moulis. As such, a number of well-regarded estates – Château Chasse-Spleen is perhaps the most notable followed by Château Poujeaux
Carmenere synonim?
La Grande Vidure
Cabernet Franc synonim?
Bouchet
Margaux info?
1st Growth
commune: Margaux
2nd wine: Pavillon Rouge
white: Pavillon Blanc 100% Sauvignon in Soussans
Director: Philippe Bascaules (also in Inglenook)
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
Soils: poor gravel with limestone bedrock and some clay
approx 80% Cab Sauvignon and Merlot
Since 2012 they increase organics/biodynamics
2009 was a historic vintage for Chateau Margaux
The style of wine produced by Chateau Margaux at its best, blends elegance, purity of fruit, harmony, and finesse. If wines were actors, perhaps it could be described as having the charm, style, finesse, and elegance of Cary Grant
The style of wine produced by Chateau Margaux at its best, blends elegance, purity of fruit, harmony, and finesse. If wines were actors, perhaps it could be described as having the charm, style, finesse, and elegance of Cary Grant
Chateau Palmer info?
3d growth (consider 1st quality)
second wine: Alter Ego
Certified organic and biodynamic (Ecovin/Demeter)
Director: Thomas Duroux (embraced biodynamics)
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
soils: mix of gravels and clay/sand
Grapes: 47% Merlot, 47% Cab Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot
old vines of Merlot more than 50 y
42 temp-controlled conical stainless steel vats
60-70% new oak Grand Vin and 25-40 for Alter Ego
Located next to Chateau Margaux, Palmer can produce a wine of equal quality in select vintages. And in some years, for example; 1959, 1961, 1966, 1970, 1983, 1989, 2004, 2008 and 2012, Palmer can produce a better wine
1961 is the best wine from the estate. In the modern era, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 are all incredibly strong wines
Which Chateaux produces white wines in St Julien?
Chateaux Lagrange- Les Arums de Lagrange
Chateaux Talbot- Caillou Blanc
both AOC Bordeaux Blanc
Chateaux Ducru Beaucaillou info?
2nd growth St Julien
2nd and 3d wine: La Croix de Beaucaillou and Le Petit Croix
consultant: Eric Boissenot
70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot
almost 90% new oak
Starting with the 2018 vintage, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou began its conversion to 100% organic farming methods.
2009 and 2010 Ducru Beaucaillou are the finest examples I’ve ever tasted from this property. They are candidates for legendary status in the history of Ducru Beaucaillou
Leoville Las Cases info?
2nd growth St Julien
1st growth quality
2nd wine: Le Petit Lion and a separate wine called Clos de Marquis
Delon familly
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
67% Cab Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc
80-90% new oak
known for its ability to age
1986 one of the top vintages
Chateau Lafite info?
1st growth Paillac
second wine: Carruades de Lafite (plot bought on 1845)
consultant: Eric Boissenot
70% Cab Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
On average, the vines are close to 40 years of age. But Chateau Lafite Rothschild has much older vines. In fact, they have some vines that are more than 100 years of age planted in the La Graviere section. That small parcel of Merlot vines dates back to 1886. Less than 1% of their vines are that old
A bit less powerful than Mouton and Latour but very complex
one of the earliest major Bordeaux estates to bottle their own wine
Since 1996, Chateau Lafite Rothschild has been producing some of the best wines in its history
stainless steel tanks and oak vats are used for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot is vinified in the concrete tanks.
100% new oak
Chateau Latour info?
1st Growth Pauillac
Famous l’Enclos for the 1st wine
second wine: Les Forts de Latour
owned by Artemis Group of Francois Pinault
consultants: Vincent Masson for biodynamics and Eric Boissenot winemaking
soils: more clay like Petrus covered by gravel in comparison with Lafite which has gravel and limestone bedrock
76% Cab Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot and Cab Franc splitted
old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon from the 1950s
2011 left En Primeur
Chateau Latour is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels, while Les Forts de Latour is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels
2020/2016/2010 recieved 100points
Chateau Mouton info?
1st growth Pauillac
2nd wine: Petit Mouton
owned by Baron Philippe de Rothchild
consultant: Eric Boissenot
the most opulent of the growths
Mouton Rothschild is the most flamboyant style of wine of all the First Growths. With Asian spices, opulent textures, an exotic personality and the ability to age and evolve for decades
81% Cab Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Cab Franc and 1% P. Verdot
120y old vines of Cab Sauvignon in a plot called La Baronne Philippe
100% new oak
Mouton Rothschild also makes a dry, white Bordeaux wine, Aile d’Argent, from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle, planted in a small 4.5 hectare parcel of vines. Sold as a Bordeaux Blanc, the wine made its debut in 1991
In 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2014 Mouton Rothschild is clearly on contention for having produced the wine of the vintage
2019/2018/2016/2010 recieved 100 points
Pontet Canet info?
5th growth Pauillac
2nd growth quality
second wine: Hauts de Pontet
Tesseron family
consultant: Michel Rolland
biodynamic (Demeter)
62% Cab Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
2009/2015 top vintages
Four of the nine cru exceptionnel are located in?
St Estephe
Phelan Segur, Pez, Les Ormes de Pez
Cos d’Estournel info?
2nd growth St Estephe
2nd wine: Les Pagodes de Cos
Also white called Cos d’Estournel Blanc 70% sauvignon
Founder: Louis Gaspard d’Estournel
director: Michel Reybier
consultant: Eric Boissenot
adjacent to Lafite
clay and peyrosol gravels
56% Cab Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot
old vines of Merlot
60% new oak
Montrose info?
2nd growth St Estephe
2nd wine: La Dame de Montrose
3d wine: Tertio de Montrose
consultant: Eric Boissenot
Muscular, tannic and longlived
60% Cab Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
most farmed organically
60% new oak
Name some top Chateaux to watch from Haut-Medoc
Red wine AOC only
Uchida Osamu
Belgrave
La Lagune
Sociando Mallet
Which is the largest classified growth of Bordeaux?
La Tour Carnet 4th growth Haut Medoc
191ha
Ch Haut-Brion info?
1st growth Graves for the red
2nd wine: Le Clarence de Haut-Brion
white: Ch Haut-Brion Blanc 52% Semillon called La Clarte
owner: Dillon familly
director: Jean Philippe Delmas
More Merlot about 50%, 40% Cab Sauvignon and the rest Cab Franc
80% new oak from their own cooperage
2021/2019/2018/2015 100 points
Chateau Conseillante info?
12ha Pomerol
80% Merlot and Cab Franc
75% new oak
Dense, seductive fruit with succulent tannins
shift to organics
and experiment with amphoras
Ch l’Eglise Clinet info?
4.5ha
Denis Dourantou
85% Merlot, Cab Franc and 1% Malbec
70% new oak
Describe the style for Hosanna, La Fleur Petrus and Lafleur
Hosanna is the most muscular of Mouiex’s range with 85% Merlot but 40%new oak
La Fleur Petrus captures the sexiness of Pomerol yet complex with dense fruit, seductive experience with grip and finesse
Lafleur masterclass Pomerol of First Growth quality, 50/50 Merlot and Cab Franc, only 20% new oak, Cab Franc dominant layered with graphite, slate, cigar box and spice
2005 was sublime
AOC Castillon Coted de Bordeaux is for?
Red wines only
Which AOCs are under the umbrella of Cotes de Bordeaux?
Castillon, Cadillac, Francs, Blaye and Ste-Foy
AOC Franc Cotes de Bordeaux is for?
Reds: mainly Merlot
Whites: Semillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle
What style of wines produces Blaye AOC and Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux AOC?
Blaye AOC: red only
Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux: red only
Cotes de Bordeaux is for?
reds only
Cotes de Bourg is for?
red and white
mainly Merlot and Sauvignon
Cotes de Bourg Chateaux to watch?
Roc de Cambes and Falfas
Name the AOCs of between the rivers
Entre-deux-mers
AOC Bordeaux
Bordeaux Superior
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux
Ste-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux
AOC Bordeaux is for?
red and white
Bordeaux Superior AOC is for?
red only
Entre-deux-mers AOC is for?
white only
AOC Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux is for?
red only
mainly Merlot
AOC Ste-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux is for?
red, white and sweet
Cotes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire is an AOC for?
white and sweet wines
Name the top vintages for the Left Bank of the 80s
1982: textbook vintage and high yields, Rich fruit, opulent and seductive that still delivers with Pichon Comtesse, Mouton and Latour top.
1986: A year of serious staying-power, with many superb examples of structured, tannic and concentrated wines
1989: An exceptional year, hot dry summer led to early harvest with Haut Brion the wine of the vintage as well as Petrus on the Right Bank
Name the worst vintages for the Left Bank of the 80s
1981: good wines and heavy rain causing problems at harvest
1984: average yields and quality
Name the best vintages for the Right Bank of the 80s
1982: top for Pomerol wines
1985: Pomerol and St Emillion made the best wines of the vintage with abundat harvest of very good quality
1988: Better vintage for the Right Bank cause not all Cabernets reached full ripeness. Warm wet weather produced serious sweet wines as well
1989: Exceptional year with Petrus top of the vintage along Haut Brion
Name the worst vintages for the Right Bank of the 80s
1981: good quality
1983: difficult vintage for the Right Bank with rain at harvest
1984: average vintage and yields
1987: was the best, leans towards very good
Name the best vintages for the Left Bank of the 90s
1990: A seriously good vintage especially for th Left Bank even though Cheval Blanc made one of its greatest vintages.
Good volumes
hot summer and harvest at early September
a surer bet than 89
1996: An excellent vintage for Medoc with age-worthy wines, Ch Margaux and Haut Brion the best
1994: Classic vintage very good wines quite firm tannins need time to soften
early harvest ten days earlier than usual
Name the worst vintages for the Left/Right Bank of the 90s
1991: heavy frost on April led to reduced yields, very low yielding vintage with some good wines but earlier drinking window
1992: big crop of average quality due to a difficult summer
1993: a bit better than 1992 and larg crop of a bit more than average quality
1997: early drinking wines and charming but few made the distance
Name the best vintages for the Right Bank of the 90s
1998: An abundant year with a hot August, excellent wines mostly on the Right Bank Pomerol and St Emillion, Cheval Blanc and Figeac top
Name the best vintages for the Left Bank of the 2000s
2000: Exceptional quality in all of Bordeaux with rich, tannic and deep coloured wines
Name the best vintages for the Left Bank of the 2000s
2000: Exceptional quality in all of Bordeaux with rich, tannic and deep coloured wines
(2001: underrated vintage with very good wines overshadowed by 2000, a bit more elegant with Figeac one of the best wines)
2005: one of the greatest vintages of the past 50 years, memorable vintage for all Bordeaux
2009: An excellent year with hot dry weather combined with fresh nights. Initially described as the vintage of the century. Rich and generous wines with reds reaching high alcohol. Sauternes and Barsac also excellent
Name the best vintages for the Right Bank of the 2000s
2000: Exceptional quality in all of Bordeaux with rich, tannic and deep coloured wines
(2001: underrated vintage with very good wines overshadowed by 2000, a bit more elegant with Figeac one of the best wines)
2005: one of the greatest vintages of the past 50 years, memorable vintage for all Bordeaux
2009: An excellent year with hot dry weather combined with fresh nights. Initially described as the vintage of the century. Rich and generous wines with reds reaching high alcohol. Sauternes and Barsac also excellent
Name the worst vintages for the Left/Right Bank of the 2000s
2002: Mixed quality with Cabernet performing better than Merlot
2003: one of the earliest pickings on record due to heat with Merlot performing better, a year to seek cooler terroirs such as limestone on St Emillion or clays at St Estephe
2007: early drinking wines because of a damp summer that yielded lighter wines
Name the best vintages for the Left/Right Bank of the 2010s
2010: Outstanding quality wines with wines combining high tannins, acidity and alcohol very age-worthy similar to 2005 and 2009 with greater intensity. The Firsts will need at least 20 years and a bit more consistent than 2009.
(2014: More successful in the northern Medoc with some good quality wines on both banks due to extremelly difficult early season. Montrose in St Estephe one of the best)
2015: Excellent quality across Bordeaux but mostly in the Righ Bank with quality and quantity
2016: Heavy rains at first followed by a warm dry summer which led to slow ripening with natural richness and concentration. Sandy soils suffered but clay and limestone as well as gravel near the river made exceptional wines. Age-worthy vintage with tannis and acidities
2020 97points
2022 99points
Name the top vintages for white Bordeaux
2007/8/9 all very good
2010: Tremendous quality, combining the best weight of the 2009s with the lively freshness of the 2008s
2011: Excellent for dry whites with Haut Brion the wine of the vintage as well as sweet wines
2012: Far better for dry whites than their sweet siblings – in fact, they are one of the notable successes of the vintage. Pessac-Léognan and Graves are both good, with more ‘liveliness’ than the average vintage
2013: Excellent wines and expressive, aromatic and structured both white and sweet
2014: Searing acidity is the hallmark of many of these wines, some of which are exceptionally pleasing
2017: Much better than for reds, and they displayed ‘purity of fruit, excellent freshness and were noticeably aromatic
Name the worst vintages for the Left/Right Bank of the 2010 and onwards
2011: challenging vintage with low yields and care in the vineyard with aromatic floral wines not concentrated more approachable
2012: Another challenging year but with some very good wines. Some problems with rain disrupted ripening
2013: a difficult vintage for both banks with rain at harvest, early drinking wines
Name the dry wine of Chateau Climens
Ch. Climens Asphodèle
100% Semillon aged on the lees in concrete vats for 8 months
Pichon Longueville Baron, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande comparison?
Both are located in Pauillac, right near Château Latour
Baron = West side of the D2
Comtesse = East side of the D2, closer to the Gironde estuary
Pichon Baron
Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant (65–80%)
Merlot (15–30%), little to no Cab Franc or Petit Verdot
Style: Powerful, structured, muscular
Tannic, brooding in youth; built for the long haul
Age-worthy: can go 20–40 years, often mistaken for First Growths in blind tastings
Think: “masculine Pauillac” — black fruit, graphite, cedar, firm structure
Owned by AXA Millésimes since 1987 (also owns Quinta do Noval, Petit-Village, and Château Suduiraut)
Major investment in modernization, vineyards, and vinification
Consultant: Éric Boissenot
Pichon Comtesse
More Merlot in the blend (up to 40–45% in some vintages, though this has decreased in recent years)
Also uses Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot more than Baron
Style: Elegant, silky, floral
Softer texture, earlier drinking window, but still ages gracefully
Think: “feminine Pauillac” — red fruits, violets, tobacco, finesse over brawn
Owned by Champagne Louis Roederer since 2007 (big upgrade in precision + investment)
Winemaker: Nicolas Glumineau, known for finesse-driven improvements
Also uses Éric Boissenot as consultant
Baron might lean toward Latour-like: intense, black fruit, power, length
Comtesse may show Margaux-like traits: violets, red fruits, elegance
Historically, Comtesse had the edge for its charm and early approachability, especially during the ’80s and ’90s.
Since the 2000s, especially post-2010, Baron has been making some of the most powerful and consistent Pauillac wines, often rivaling First Growths.
Comtesse often fetches a bit more on secondary market if it’s a top vintage, especially among collectors.
Rauzan Segla vs Rauzan Gassies?
They both come from the original Château Rauzan estate, which, like the Pichons, was split in the 18th century. But unlike the Pichons, where both halves became powerhouses, here we’ve got one rising star (Ségla) and one underperformer (Gassies)—at least historically
Château Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux)
Owned by Chanel (since 1994) – serious investment, major upgrades
Winemaker: Nicolas Audebert (also oversees Canon in St-Émilion—very talented)
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
Massive quality jump since ~2005; truly worthy of 2nd Growth status, and often punches into super second territory
Style:
Cabernet Sauvignon dominant (around 60–65%)
Balanced with Merlot, small % of Petit Verdot and Cab Franc
Elegant but structured Margaux: floral, dark red fruit, velvety tannins, long aging curve
Château Rauzan-Gassies (Margaux)
The Underdog (still):
Also a Second Growth… but often considered underperforming.
Owned by the Quié family (same owners as Croizet-Bages and Bel Orme Tronquoy de Lalande)
Winemaking has improved in the last decade, but it’s still playing catch-up.
Style:
More Merlot historically than Ségla
Lighter, simpler style of Margaux—not as deep or structured
Less consistency vintage to vintage
Some sommeliers joke it’s a “Second Growth in name, Cru Bourgeois in style”—though that’s a bit harsh these days.
Rauzan-Ségla = textbook modern Margaux; polished, elegant, floral. Worth knowing alongside Palmer, Brane-Cantenac, Durfort-Vivens, and d’Issan.
Rauzan-Gassies = know that it’s a 2nd Growth in name, but not in performance. May come up in theory as an example of a classified estate with inconsistent quality
Compare and contrast the Leoville Trio
Originally one vast estate: Domaine de Léoville, owned by the noble Léoville family
After the Revolution + inheritance splits, it was divided into:
Léoville Las Cases (the “noble first-born”)
Léoville Barton (established 1826)
Léoville Poyferré (final split in 1840)
Feature: Léoville Las Cases
Nickname: The First-Growth in Disguise
Style: Power, density, age-worthy
Dominant Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon (75–85%)
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
Ownership: Delon family
Winemaking: Precision, minimal intervention
Price Tier 💰 $$$ – Like a First Growth
Feature: Léoville Poyferré
Nickname: The Hedonist
Style: Plush, seductive, modern polish
Dominant Grape: Cabernet + more Merlot
Consultant: Michel Rolland
Ownership: Cuvelier family
Winemaking: More extraction, new oak
Price Tier 💰 – $$ – Great value for power
Feature Léoville Barton
Nickname: The Classicist
Style Old-school, firm, structured
Dominant Grape Cabernet Sauvignon (75–85%)
Consultant Eric Boissenot
Ownership Barton family (same since 1826!)
Winemaking Traditional, restrained
Price Tier 💰 $$ – Best QPR in Left Bank
Léoville Las Cases
The flagship of St-Julien—sometimes called the “Latour of St-Julien”
Very close to Château Latour; some parcels literally across the stream
Tannic, intense, long-lived. Almost always needs 10–15+ years to come around
Often considered the best 2nd Growth, period
Tasting notes: blackcurrants, graphite, cedar, pencil shavings, crushed rocks, intense structure
Ages: 30–40+ years
Léoville Poyferré
More modern, lush, flashy—thanks in part to Michel Rolland’s consulting
Heavier use of Merlot (~20–25%) and new oak
Super plush, seductive, and rich, especially in ripe vintages
Great in blind tastings because it’s expressive and accessible early
Tasting notes: ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, polished tannins
Ages: 15–25 years, but drinks well younger
Léoville Barton
Possibly the most traditional of the three: no fancy château (the wine is made at Langoa Barton)
Owned by the Barton family since 1826—one of the few still family-run, same lineage
More restrained and classic Left Bank than the others—no flash, just structure and class
Often the best value of the trio
Tasting notes: cassis, tobacco, cedar, pencil lead, firm tannins
Ages: 20–30 years
Compare and contrast the Cantenac Crew of Margaux
Château 1855 Rank Style Reputation
Brane-Cantenac 2nd Growth Elegant, perfumed, aging potential 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Cantenac Brown 3rd Growth Bold, dark-fruited, modern polish 🌟🌟🌟
Boyd-Cantenac 3rd Growth Classic, restrained, under the radar 🌟🌟 (niche)
Château Brane-Cantenac
2nd Growth
Owned by: Henri Lurton (Lurton family dynasty)
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
Recent buzz: serious investment and quality rise since 2000s
Style:
Highly aromatic, floral, and elegant—textbook Margaux finesse
Silky tannins, often light on its feet but structured underneath
Can be surprisingly age-worthy, especially in top vintages
Less extraction and oak than many peers
Tasting notes: violet, rose petal, red currant, sandalwood, sweet herbs
Aging: 15–25 years, needs 5–10 to open up
Recent Vintages to Know:
2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022
Definitely on the rise, aiming for Palmer-tier elegance
Château Cantenac Brown
3rd Growth
Owned by: Tristan Le Lous (since 2019) – BIG investment phase
Consultant: Eric Boissenot
New eco winery built in 2023 👀
Style:
Richer, denser, more modern Margaux
More black fruit, graphite, cocoa, and oak-driven power than Brane
Earlier drinking, though it can still age well
More consistent in recent vintages
Tasting notes: blackberry, dark chocolate, cedar, roasted coffee
Aging: 10–20 years
Drink or hold depending on the vintage
Recent Vintages to Know:
2010, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022 (lots of hype)
Easier to spot in blind tasting for its bold style
Château Boyd-Cantenac
3rd Growth
Owned by: Guillemet family
Tiny production, under-the-radar traditionalist
Often overlooked, but loved by purists
Style:
More austere and lean, especially young
Light to medium-bodied, low alcohol, minimal new oak
A very classical Margaux with a fine floral/herbal edge
Not built to impress early, but rewards patience
Tasting notes: raspberry, rose, tea leaf, iron, dusty tannins
Aging: 15–25 years
Can feel “old school Bordeaux” in all the best ways (or worst, depending on your taste)
Recent Vintages to Know:
2015, 2016, 2019 – rare but appreciated by traditionalists
Feature Brane-Cantenac Cantenac Brown Boyd-Cantenac
Style Perfumed, elegant Bold, modern Lean, old-school
Fruit Red + floral Dark + ripe Red + herbal
Oak Subtle Pronounced Minimal
Tannins Fine-grained Polished, plush Firm, dry early
Good for blind? Yes, classic Margaux Yes, distinct dark-fruited Margaux Tougher, less common
Consultant Boissenot Boissenot In-house
“Brane is the brain (elegant), Brown is the brawn (bold), Boyd is the bookworm (classic)”
Chateau Margaux vs Chateau Palmer
Château Margaux
First Growth – Premier Cru (1855)
Appellation: Margaux AOC
Ownership: Mentzelopoulos family (since 1977)
Consultant: Eric Boissenot, with in-house team
Winemaker: Philippe Bascaules (returned in 2016 after stint at Inglenook)
Style:
THE benchmark for elegance in the Médoc
Lifted, floral aromatics (violet, rose), incredible finesse
Classic Cabernet Sauvignon dominance (~87–90% in top vintages)
Linear, noble structure, silky tannins, almost ethereal in texture
Extreme ageability (30–50+ years in best vintages)
Tasting Notes: violet, cassis, graphite, pencil shavings, cedar, cigar box
Think: ballerina grace, not bodybuilder bulk
Château Palmer
Third Growth (1855) but considered a “Super Second”
Appellation: Margaux AOC
Ownership: Sichel & Mahler-Besse families
Consultant: Thomas Duroux (CEO & winemaker)
Organic/Biodynamic since 2017
Style:
Richer, more voluptuous, luxurious texture
Unusually high Merlot percentage (often 40–50%!) for Left Bank
Fuller body, more opulent fruit, very seductive
Still age-worthy, but more accessible earlier than Margaux
Velvet vs. silk compared to Margaux
Tasting Notes: black plum, violet, chocolate, incense, sandalwood, lush tannins
Think: Chanel in leather pants with a glass of Pauillac
Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature Château Margaux Château Palmer
1855 Rank First Growth Third Growth (Super Second status)
Style Elegant, refined, classic Opulent, plush, sexy
Grape Blend Cabernet-heavy (~87% Cab) High Merlot (40–50% Merlot)
Aging Potential 30–50+ years 20–30+ years
Drinkability Needs time, closed young More approachable earlier
Aromatics Floral, graphite, cedar Dark fruit, spice, incense
Price (approx.) $$$$ $$$
Viticulture Traditional + precision Biodynamic since 2017
Signature Vintage 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2022 1983, 1989, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2018, 2019, 2022
Blind Tasting Tips:
Marker Margaux Palmer
Nose More floral, lifted, graphite Riper, more black plum, mocha
Palate Tighter, more linear Plush, creamy, sexy tannins
Structure High acid, refined tannins Rounder, velvet tannins
Finish Persistent, delicate Long, hedonistic, powerful
Palmer often throws tasters because of the high Merlot—it can almost feel like a Right Bank in disguise. Margaux is harder to nail unless you key into the purity + finesse
The Margaux middle-tier power trio: Château d’Issan, Château Giscours, and Château Kirwan?
Château Rank (1855) Style Reputation Consultant
d’Issan 3rd Growth Elegant, floral, silky On the rise 🌟 Eric Boissenot
Giscours 3rd Growth Powerful, broad, age-worthy Back in form 💪 Denis Dubourdieu team (until 2016), now Thomas Duclos since 2019
Kirwan 3rd Growth Plush, modern, ripe Improving steadily 📈 Hubert de Boüard (Angélus)
Château d’Issan
“The wine of kings” – allegedly served at Louis XV’s wedding in 1741
Ownership: Cruse family (also co-owners of Rauzan-Ségla)
Massive investment since early 2000s
Style:
Refined, silky, and classically Margaux floral
Very Cabernet-driven, but not extracted
Great balance of freshness + finesse
Tasting Notes: violets, dried rose, redcurrant, cedar, graphite, silky tannins
Ages: 15–25 years
Recent standout vintages: 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022
If blind tasting and it smells like Margaux + feels like silk = could be d’Issan
Château Giscours
A large estate with serious pedigree and variable quality historically—but the last 10–15 years have shown a big return to form.
Ownership: Albada Jelgersma family (also owns du Tertre)
Style:
More structured and masculine than d’Issan
Often one of the boldest Margaux, with Pauillac-like structure
Cabernet Sauvignon dominant (~65%)
Long-lived, needs time to soften
Tasting Notes: black cherry, cassis, tobacco, iron, firmer tannins
Ages: 20–30+ years
Recent Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022
2016 was a turning point vintage
In a blind: If it’s Margaux but feels dense, meaty, tannic, it could be Giscours
Château Kirwan
Historically underperforming, but since the 2000s—especially under Hubert de Boüard’s (Angélus) consulting—the quality has steadily improved.
Ownership: Schyler family (since 1925)
Style:
A bit more modern in expression
Higher Merlot content, riper fruit, softer structure
Accessible younger, but some vintages can age nicely
Tasting Notes: ripe plum, baking spice, vanilla, mocha, soft tannins
Ages: 10–20 years
Recent Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020
In a blind: more Merlot-driven, juicy and plush, less structure = Kirwan clue
d’Issan: the elegant one — floaty aromatics, silky, classical Margaux
Giscours: the powerful one — feels like a Pauillac cousin in Margaux clothing
Kirwan: the modern one — plush, ripe, soft edges, oak forward
Compare and contrast Malescot-St-Exupéry, Marquis d’Alesme, or du Tertre
Château Malescot St-Exupéry
3rd Growth – Margaux AOC
Privately owned by the Zuger family since 1955
Small estate, big personality
Style:
Bold, ripe, modern, and sometimes flamboyant
Flashier and more opulent than most Margaux
Dense black fruit, spicy oak, Merlot plays a bigger role than average
Think Right Bank influence in Margaux clothing
Tasting Notes: blackberry, espresso, chocolate, violet, cedar
Ages: 15–25 years
Recent standouts: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2022
Blind clue: Plush Margaux with extra fruit + oak = Malescot
Château Marquis d’Alesme
3rd Growth – Margaux AOC
Owned by: Labégorce family (Perrodo group)
Completely rebranded and reborn since ~2010s
Estate has a Chinese-inspired chateau, very aesthetic
Style:
A fusion of opulence and elegance
Uses a lot of Petit Verdot (sometimes up to 10%!)
Often aromatic and perfumed, but has body and depth
Unique signature for Margaux: intensity + exotic floral
Tasting Notes: plum, violet, incense, blueberry, sweet spice
Ages: 15–25 years
Recent strong vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022
Blind clue: If Margaux shows off exotic florals + spice + depth = possible Marquis d’Alesme
Château du Tertre
5th Growth – Margaux AOC
Recently sold in 2021 to Hervé Berland (ex-Mouton Rothschild CEO)
Was owned by Albada Jelgersma (Giscours) until 2021
Lots of changes happening—one to watch
Style:
Historically lighter, more easy-drinking Margaux
High Cab Franc and Petit Verdot percentages (~20%+ sometimes!)
Bright aromatics, soft structure, easy-access
Used to underperform, but recent vintages show promise
Tasting Notes: red cherry, floral, tobacco leaf, herbs, soft tannins
Ages: 10–15 years
Recent vintages to know: 2015, 2018, 2020 (new winemaking style)
Blind clue: If Margaux is delicate + herbal + light on its feet = du Tertre guess
Château Rank Style Grape Blend Notes Blind Clues
Malescot St-Exupéry 3rd Bold, modern More Merlot Ripe, flashy, oaky
Marquis d’Alesme 3rd Exotic, perfumed Uses PV boldly Spicy florals, rich depth
du Tertre 5th Delicate, subtle High Cab Franc/PV Light, herbal, easy
Compare and contrast Durfort Vivens and Lascombes
Durfort-Vivens = the quiet biodynamic purist
Lascombes = the flashy, extracted modernist
Château Durfort-Vivens
2nd Growth – Margaux AOC
Owned by: Gonzague Lurton (Lurton family – also runs Haut-Bages Libéral)
Certified Biodynamic since 2016
Tiny production, super terroir-driven
Style:
Pure, restrained, ethereal – very low-intervention
Among the lightest and most elegant of Margaux crus
Low alcohol (12.5–13.5%), whole cluster sometimes used
Often totally different than the “modern Bordeaux” style
Tasting Notes: cranberry, red cherry, rose petal, tea leaf, graphite
Structure: High acid, delicate tannins, mineral tension
Ages: 15–25 years
Best recent vintages: 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022
Blind tip: If it’s Margaux but it’s lean, vibrant, transparent = suspect Durfort-Vivens
Château Lascombes
2nd Growth – Margaux AOC
Just changed ownership in 2022: now controlled by Lawrence Wine Estates (Napa’s Realm Cellars group—👀 big $$)
Known for being controversial stylistically
Style:
Deeply extracted, ripe, glossy, modernist
High alcohol, lots of new oak, silky mouthfeel
Used to be considered overdone by purists, but popular in luxury markets
Tasting Notes: blueberry compote, chocolate, toast, sweet spice, espresso
Structure: Full body, round tannins, low acid
Ages: 10–20 years
Key vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2022
Blind tip: If Margaux has Napa energy (plush, toasty, thick) = Lascombes suspect
Second Wine Showdown: Side-by-Side Breakdown
Château Second Wine Style Winemaking Avg Price (USD) Notes
Lafite Rothschild Carruades de Lafite Elegant, precise, restrained High % Merlot (for Pauillac) ~$300–400 Most “Lafite-like” in finesse, but less power
Latour Les Forts de Latour Structured, serious, built to age Treated like a Grand Vin ~$300–350 Often better than many classified growths
Margaux Pavillon Rouge Floral, silky, aromatic Pure Margaux typicity ~$200–250 Best second wine for elegance & finesse
Mouton Rothschild Le Petit Mouton Plush, bold, flashy Very Cabernet-heavy ~$300–350 Often high-alcohol, lush, flashy oak
Haut-Brion Le Clarence de Haut-Brion Savory, earthy, structured Same terroir as Grand Vin ~$200–250 Most serious & Graves-typical, often overlooked
🔥 Most Powerful & Ageworthy
Forts de Latour
Petit Mouton
🌸 Most Elegant / Perfumed
Pavillon Rouge
Carruades de Lafite
📚 Most Cerebral / Terroir-Driven
Le Clarence de Haut-Brion
Carruades
Describe the style of Chateau Fieuzal rouge
Cru Classé de Graves (red only)
Owned by Irish entrepreneur Brendan McGuinness
Consultant: Stéphane Derenoncourt
Style:
Modern/flashy, fruit-driven, approachable early
Often includes more Petit Verdot, giving spice
Aging in 50% new oak
Understated reputation, but excellent QPR
Tasting: Plum, blueberry, cocoa, menthol
Blind tip: Soft texture, ripe fruit, oak polish = think Fieuzal or Rolland-style wine
Describe the style of Pape Clement
Cru Classé de Graves
Owned by Bernard Magrez
Consulted by Michel Rolland = signature style: plush, ripe, modern
Style:
High new oak (~70–80%)
Modern/flashy, big extraction, glossy and opulent
Crowd-pleaser style, yet serious wine
Merlot plays a big role
Tasting: Blackberry, chocolate, vanilla bean, toast, licorice
Blind tip: Flashy oak, dark ripe fruit, dense = Pape or another Rolland property
Describe the style of Smith-Haut Lafite
Cru Classé de Graves (red & white)
Owned by the Cathiard family since 1990
One of the most sustainable and luxurious estates
Style:
Ripe, sleek, well-crafted
Excellent balance of modern polish and classical structure
Wines age well but are charming early
Iconic white wine too — one of the best dry whites in Bordeaux
Tasting: Black cherry, tobacco leaf, gravel, floral lift
Blind tip: Expressive nose, texture + polish + freshness = SHL vibes
Describe the style of Haut Bailly
Cru Classé de Graves (red only)
One of the most elegant wines in Pessac
Now includes new Haut-Bailly II winery, cutting-edge
Style:
Silky tannins, incredible balance, no overextraction
Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, but Merlot lifts aromatics
Aging in 50–60% new oak
High consistency since 2000s
Tasting: Graphite, red cherry, warm earth, violet, tea leaf
Blind tip: Elegant, refined structure without flash = think Haut-Bailly
Elegant/Classical
Describe the style of La Mission Haut Brion
Not classified in 1855 but regarded as a de facto First Growth
Owned by the Domaine Clarence Dillon (same as Haut-Brion)
Style:
Denser, richer, more Merlot-driven than Haut-Brion
More opulent and chewy, often more expressive young
Has its own following; stylistic contrast to its sibling
Tasting: Plum, smoke, incense, black olive, espresso
Blind tip: Powerful, dark-fruited, Graves structure but modern texture = Mission
Describe the style of Haut Brion
Oldest continuously producing wine estate in Bordeaux
Wines since the 1500s — literally referenced by Thomas Jefferson
Style:
Gravelly, smoky, ferrous, cerebral style
Merlot + Cabernet blend (Cab Franc can be notable too)
Long-lived, tannic, ageworthy
One of the only 1st Growths from Graves/Pessac
Tasting: Cigar box, wet earth, blackcurrant, tar, pencil lead
Blind tip: Structured but earthy, elegant without perfume = likely Haut-Brion
Describe the style of the classified Chateaux in Graves for the whites
Château Style Blend Oak Use Aging Key Notes
Couhins Linear, citrusy, fresh Sauvignon Blanc-dominant Light 5–10 yrs Crisp, mineral-driven
Couhins-Lurton Richer, more structured 100% Sauvignon Blanc 50–70% new oak 10–15 yrs Creamy, exotic, smoky
Laville-Haut-Brion → La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc Opulent, ageworthy, world-class ~65% Sémillon, 35% SB 100% new oak 30+ yrs Waxy, honeyed, saline, legendary
100% SB + creamy texture? → Couhins-Lurton
Zippy SB, unoaked, bright? → Couhins
Honeyed, rich, golden, ageworthy? → Laville / Mission Blanc
Compare and contrast Carbonnieux, Domaine de Chevalier, and Latour-Martillac
Estate Style Blend Oak Aging Tasting Profile Reputation
Château Carbonnieux Fresh, crisp, fruity ~65% SB / 35% Sémillon Light–Moderate (25–30%) 5–10 yrs (early charm) Lemon zest, white flowers, melon, touch of smoke Classic, reliable, easy-going
Domaine de Chevalier Structured, complex, ageworthy ~70% SB / 30% Sémillon 30–35% new oak 10–30 yrs (long life) Citrus oil, flint, beeswax, herbs, saline, layered One of the best whites in Bordeaux
Château Latour-Martillac Balanced, round, slightly exotic ~60% SB / 40% Sémillon Moderate (20–30%) 8–15 yrs Lime curd, lanolin, subtle oak, stone fruit Hidden gem, great QPR
Carbonnieux: Citrus + florals, bright acidity, light on oak
Chevalier: Waxy texture, powerful minerality, clear evolution in glass
Latour-Martillac: Rounder body, light spice, stone fruit + herbs
Name the Chateau of Judgement of Paris in 1976
Montrose 1970, las cases 1971, mouton, haut brion 1970
Name the commune of St Julien
Saint-Julien-Beychevelle
The official commune of the Saint-Julien AOC.
All classified growths of Saint-Julien fall within this commune.
Includes Léoville Las Cases, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Beychevelle, Gruaud-Larose, and others.
Name a top unclassified Chateau of St Julien
Chateau Gloria
Compare and contrast Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Pavie, Angelus and Figeac
Estate Terroir Grape Focus Style Power vs Finesse Aging Curve Classification Notes
Cheval Blanc Gravel + clay near Pomerol Cab Franc & Merlot Floral, silky, layered 🟰 Balanced 30+ years Left classification (2022)
Ausone Limestone plateau Cab Franc & Merlot Deep, mineral, cerebral 🎯 Finesse 40+ years Left classification (2022)
Pavie Limestone slope Merlot-heavy Dense, powerful, oak-rich 💪 Power 25–30 years+ Remained in Classé A
Figeac Gravel & blue clay Cab-heavy Aromatic, structured, fresh 🧠 Intellectual 30+ years Promoted to Classé A in 2022
Angélus Mixed slope Merlot + Cab Franc Glossy, rich, spicy 💥 Opulent 20–30 years Left classification (2022)
Name the dry wines of Sauternes
Premier Cru Superieur
Ygrec -yquem
Premier Cru Classe
La Chapelle de Lafaurie- Lafaurie Peyraguey
S de Suduirat
Demoiselle de Sigalas
G de Giraud
Asphodele
Opalie de Chateau Coutet
Deuxiemes Cru Classe
Doisy-Daene Sec
Arche Blanc Sec
Which are the whites from the 5th growths of Pauillac?
Blanc de Lynch Bages
Hauts de Pontet Canet Blanc
Which is the second wine of Langoa Barton?
Lady Langoa
Graves de Vayres allows?
all styles
Bordeaux Haut Benauge and Entre-deux-Mers Haut Benauge allow?
Bordeaux Haut Benauge: white and sweet
Entre-deux-Mers Haut Benauge: dry whites
Which is the second label of Chateau Ferriere?
Les Remparts de Ferriere (biodynamic)
Which is the second label of Malescot ST Exupery?
La Dame de Malescot
Which is the second label of Desmirail?
Initial de Desmirail
Name the second label of Canon La Gaffeliere
Les Hauts de Canon La Gaffeliere
Name the second label of La Gaffeliere
Clos La Gaffeliere
Which Premier Grand Cru Classe B Produce white?
Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere: Clos Marsalette in Pessac
Chateau Valandraud: Valandraud Blanc
Name two unclassified St Emillion Chateaux
Tertre Roteboeuf and Chateau Le Dome
Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A criteria?
estates status needed to provide samples of the previous 20 vintages
Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe status in the 2022 St. Emilion classification, they needed to provide samples of the previous 10 vintages
Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe Points were awarded based on the following criteria?
50% Tasting
35% Reputation, Advertising, and Value
10% Terroir, Property Tax Base, and Uniform Quality of the terroir
5% Methods used in Winegrowing and Oenology
samples of the previous 15 vintages. Chateau were graded on a 20-point system. Premier Cru Classe wines needed to score at least 16 of 20 points to earn Premier Cru status.
