High-flying Bordeaux from the 'other' classification
From first to fifth growth: the 1855 ranking of the Medoc's most important wines was seminal. It stands to this day, although some of its judgements are now painfully out-of-date. But it isn't the only classification in town. The Cru Bourgeois classification highlights outstanding Medoc properties that the 1855 classification bypasses (whether because they were overlooked, looked down on, or just didn't exist in 1855). Notionally, Cru Bourgeois is a level below the 1855 classed growths, although in fact there is more than a little quality overlap between the classifications. And unlike the 1855 classification, the Cru Bourgeois classification is regularly revisited through a series of pretty rigorous blind tastings.
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 - and we're delighted to be offering a mixed case of each of these 14 high-fliers, all from Bordeaux's great 2020 vintage.
The Exceptionnels are chateaux at the top of their game. From St-Estephe, Lilian Ladouys has been living up to its excellent terroir on the Cos plateau. Le Boscq has vineyards that abut Calon-Segur, and Le Crock benefits from the winemaking expertise of the Leoville Poyferre team. Paveil de Luze and d'Arsac are characteristically floral, expressive Margaux. The Haut-Medoc properties represent a roll call of fine terroir, best-practice winemaking, enthusiastic owners, investment and consultants. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available late Spring 2023
