A Guide to the Most Sought-After Wines
By convention, and now by law, Bordeaux wines could be made only by specific, specified grape types. For red wines, that means Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Practically no Bordeaux winemaker uses only one variety of grape; for whites, Sauvignon, Semillon, and Muscadelle at least two grape varieties are nearly always used.
Winemakers in different nations have utilized these two versions in their attempts to emulate the most wines of Bordeaux. In California, as an example, a varietal wine should comprise at least 75 percent of this grape variety named on the tag. Winemakers who wish to generate a wine where no part reaches that amount produce their mix along Bordeaux lines. The majority of these wines keep a name that the winery has the exclusive right to utilize. Examples of those “proprietary Bordeaux-style mixes” comprise Insignia from Joseph Phelps and Monte Bello from Ridge Vineyards. Opus One, by the winery of the same title, is just another example.
A small number of such wines, from Guenoc Winery and St. Supery, for example, are labeled simply as “Meritage” (rhymes with heritage), a word that was coined in 1981 to represent the concept of a California wine made as a Bordeaux-fashion decant.
First-Growth Bordeaux wine is full of quality is an understatement. There are just five first-growth estates in Bordeaux, and every one of these crafts some of the most elegant, prestigious, and most precious wines on the planet. Wines with official first-growth classes are usually worth hundreds or even tens of thousands of dollars over their lesser-ranked peers and therefore are believed by many to be the basis of any significant French wine collection.
But, while each of these wines is highly rated and precious, not all of them taste the same. Château Margaux Médoc (Margaux), Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild respectively possess a distinctive winemaking design, exceptional terroir, and mixing techniques that provide their wines a particular personality. As you construct an assortment of first-growth Bordeaux wine, you will probably discover that you prefer some first-growth wines to others. To assist you in deciding which wines to enhance your collection, we have created this thorough guide to Bordeaux first-growth labels. We are going to explain what makes all one of those labels exceptional and worthy of such high praise from the world’s top wine critics.
What’s first-growth Bordeaux Wine?
First-growth Bordeaux wine is a formal classification that ranks the most notable and high-quality producers in the area. There are just five manufacturers that now hold first-growth classification standing:
- Château Haut-Brion
- Château Lafite Rothschild
- Château Latour
- Château Margaux
- Château Mouton Rothschild
First-growth became an official classification in 1855 through the Exposition Universelle de Paris. At the moment, French boss Napoléon III wished to establish the nation as a pioneer in ethical wine manufacturing, so that he enlisted the support of their Gironde Chamber of Commerce to collect together a team of skilled wine agents. These agents rated French wine estates based on trading cost, reputation, and overall quality, and also, first-growth was the highest-ranked classification. Now, these five first-growth estates nevertheless create the most expensive wines in Bordeaux, usually, so the classification process is a straightforward and relatively dependable method for collectors to judge which wines would be the most precious. However, have these estates specifically earned this type of Sterling standing on the marketplace? To understand their appeal, you have to think about the terroir as well as the estates’ winemaking styles.
Lots of wine lovers taste powerful minerality from first-growth wines in the Médoc area. The aforementioned first-growth Bordeaux wine is created in the Médoc subregion in southwestern France’s famed Left Bank. The solitary exception is Château Haut-Brion, which can be from Graves from the Pessac-Léognan area.
In Médoc, fast-draining gravel lands advocate the vine roots burrow deep underground seeking water. Having the roots burrow so deep makes sure that the blossoms never become overly diluted and instead grow very small and concentrated in flavor. The gravel also keeps heat in the summertime, which aids the grapes to ripen completely. Many wine lovers taste powerful minerality from first-growth wines from this area, and some experts believe this is a result of the gravelly soil. In Graves, the dirt can be quite gravelly, which has an identical impact on avocado ripening.
But, while vineyard soil and location have a significant effect on the quality of the wine, the manufacturers’ winemaking designs have an arguably more substantial impact. As an instance, although Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild are situated quite near one another, the taste of the wines is different. A flagship jar of 2018 Château Lafite Rothschild is very floral and hot, though a pot of 2018 Château Mouton Rothschild has more powerful cocoa notes in addition to tastes of cigar and camphor. That is in part because both of these manufacturers have entirely various winemaking philosophies and utilize different aging and blending methods. To know these differences involving first-growth Bordeaux wine manufacturers, it will help to evaluate each first-growth Bordeaux wine tag separately.
The Most Valuable first-growth Bordeaux Labels
The most expensive first-growth Bordeaux wine labels would be the estates’ flagship wines (known as the grand vin). These are the most flavorful and age-worthy first-growth bottles. Many second and third wines are high in quality and worth collecting. However, the grand vin bottles from such estates continue to be the most sought after among collectors. From the graph below, you will see what makes all those first-growth magnificent vins sticks out from their peers. The particular combinations used vary with each classic. Therefore it is also essential to research every year separately before you purchase.
Grand Vin Wines (Premier Cru/Best of the Best)
| Wine | Combination | Notes | Maximum Aging | Winemaking Methods |
| Château Haut-Brion | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet, and a little bit of Petit Verdot | Earthiness, spice, and truffle | 12 to 50 years. | The estate ages the wine in oak barrels after being fermented in stainless steel. |
| Château Lafite Rothschild | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc as well as Petit Verdot | Plum notes, tobacco, hazelnut, and brininess | 15 to 60 years or more | The estate uses a combination of grapes with different ripeness stages to create wines for that perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors |
| Château Latour | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, as well as a little bit of Petit Verdot | Very consistent in quality; rich, robust fruit flavors and intense minerality | 15 to 60 years or more | The estate views the vineyard as one organism. Each section of the vineyard contributes to the next to retain the wine’s natural flavors. |
| Château Margaux | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, as well as Cabernet Franc | Balanced; with notes of violet, truffle, and dark fruit | 15 to 60 years or more | The estate has longstanding vines that produce complex-tasting grapes (some vines are nearly 80 years old) |
| Château Mouton Rothschild Grand Vin | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, as well as Petit Verdot | Smoky, with notes of tobacco, black currant, and salt | 15 to 60 years or more | To make sure of the consistency of the wine, the estate hires teams of people to manage the same vines and parcels every year. |
Many collectors purchase grand vin wines from all five of those first-growth Bordeaux estates, but some decide to concentrate their selections on just one manufacturer or type. For instance, If you’re searching for wines with more of a briny or mineral taste, then choose grand vin wines from Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Lafite Rothschild.
Additionally, there are differences in value and aging potential with any one of the first-growths. Château Haut-Brion is the cheapest of these first-growths wines.
Currently, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour are the more expensive wines, and as time passes, the more they increase in value. If you are trying to sell for a profit, then these are a couple of the best options. Grand Vin out of Château Mouton Rothschild is marginally more affordable than a number of the other wines on this listing, which makes these wines a fantastic price. Château Haut-Brion is the cheapest of the first-growths and does not age as long as others on this listing. If you’re trying to find a wine that will drink wonderfully over the next 12 to 20 decades, Château Haut-Brion is a fantastic selection.
Each the wines from the listing above are much sought after among collectors and are incredibly age-worthy, so it is practically impossible to make a poor investment. However, some vintages are worth far more than many others, hence before making your choice on which wines to enhance your collection, review the guide to as you search for the best Bordeaux vintages.
Second and Third Wines of First-Growth Estates
Most of the first-growth Bordeaux wine producers similarly make second and third wines that are remarkable. While these wines do not have the noteworthiness of their grand vin predecessors, they are excellent for short-term aging and could increase in value on the secondary market once they reach maturity. These wines may not ever be as prized as the grand; nonetheless, in today’s market, it shows that second wines may make great investments.
Third wines produced from first-growth estates are still exceptional wines and ascertain which second wines are perfect for your group, have a look at the comprehensive chart below.
Second Wines (Second Cru)
| Wine | Blend | Tasting Notes | Maximum Aging |
| Château Haut-Brion | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Smokiness, tar, tobacco, and berries | Five to ten years or more |
| Château Lafite Rothschild Carruades de Lafite | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc | Medium-bodied; spice, red fruit, and black currant | Five to ten years or more |
| Château Latour Les Forts de Latour | Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and a little Petit Verdot | Layers of notes of black currant, cocoa, and tobacco | Five to ten years otherwise more |
| Château Margaux | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc | Medium-bodied; floral notes, red berries and tobacco | Ten years otherwise more |
| Château Mouton Rothschild | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc | Aromatic, with notes of blackberry, tobacco, and licorice | Five to ten years otherwise more |
Some states also generate a third wine, which can be generally less costly and age-worthy compared to an estate second wine. However, just like another wine, third wines produced by first-growth estates continue to be excellent wines.
The chart underneath gives some particulars on a few differences between the third wines made by Château Margaux and Château Latour.
Third Wines (Troisieme Cru)
| Wine | Blend | Tasting Notes | Aging Potential |
| Le Pauillac de Château Latour | Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and alittle Petit Verdot | Soft; spice, tobacco, earthiness | Five years or more |
| Margaux du Château Margaux | Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc | Floral; fruitiness and tobacco | Five years or more |
These third wines are great for a small dinner party. All these labels will also be exceptional wines to give away as presents, especially if the receiver enjoys first-growth Bordeaux wines and has not attempted some of the additional offerings from such estates. You are not likely to produce many gains from reselling these bottles; however, if this is not a key objective for your collection, then those wines will make a superb addition to a group of top-quality Bordeaux. There are also fourth wines called Quatrieme Cru (Fourth Growth) and a fifth wine called Cinquieme Cru (Fifth Growth).
How to Obtain first-growth Bordeaux Wines
Choosing to get started as a wine collector or if you have been buying good wine for several decades, you cannot fail with first-growth Bordeaux wine. Wines from such estates are among the most trustworthy investments at the top wine market, meaning novice collectors may quickly begin a precious set from scratch. One of those grand vin bottles from such estates will expand steadily in value as time passes, even if you buy wine from lower-quality vintages. As a result, these manufacturers have the experience and expertise that is needed to craft outstanding wines in hard times, and vintage quality is very consistent. There is no need to wait for the rare 100-point vintages to reach the market or invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars more to get a top-rated label. It might be more prudent to spend on some of the sought-after vintages since these wines frequently have a much higher general quality-to-price ratio and are easier to find in the marketplace.
Consider buying first-growth Bordeaux wines as a longterm investment.
The first suggestion to keep in mind when collecting first-growth Bordeaux wine is that you ought to protect your investments using expert storage, or another trusted storage procedure if you intend to drink the wine or to place it in the marketplace later. Professional storage will help you establish the wine’s derivation, so you get the highest possible price at resale. Additionally, it makes sure the aging of your bottle goes gracefully over time, so they taste as full and flavorful as possible when they eventually reach adulthood. That is the reason it’s essential to purchase wine from trusted vendors, maintain that your bottles are kept securely, and wait to launch them till they grow entirely.