Bordeaux Flashcards

Question

Name the second wine of Cos d'Estournel

Answer 1

Pagodes de Cos

Answer 2

La Dame de Montrose

Answer 3

Le Petit Lion

Answer 4

La Réserve de Léoville Barton

Answer 5

Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré

Answer 6

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)

Answer 7

Pichon Comtesse Réserve

Answer 8

There is a second wine that is sold under two names, Vivens, and Le Relais de Durfort Vivens

Answer 9

Le Baron de Brane

Answer 10

Chevaler de Rauzan Gassies

Answer 11

Sarget de Gruaud Larose

Answer 12

Chevalier de Lascombes

Answer 13

Le Marquis de Calon Ségur

Answer 14

Les Fiefs de Lagrange

Answer 15

Les Charmes de Kirwan

Answer 16

Moulin de la Lagune

Answer 17

Blason d'Issan

Answer 18

La Sirène de Giscours

Answer 19

La Dame de Malescot

Answer 20

BriO de Cantenac Brown

Answer 21

Connetable de Talbot

Answer 22

Amiral de Beychevelle

Answer 23

There are 2 second wines, Les Pelerins de Lafon Rochet and Les Secrets de Lafon Rochet

Answer 24

Moulin de Duhart

Answer 25

Chevalier de Lascombes

Answer 26

Confidences de Prieure Lichine, and Le Cloitre du Chateau Prieure Lichine

Answer 27

Duluc de Branaire Ducru

Answer 28

Château d'Armailhac

Answer 29

1945 was one of the all-time great vintages of Bordeaux, followed by 1947 and 1949

Answer 30

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

Answer 31

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

Answer 32

Le Saint Estèphe de Cos Labory

Answer 33

Lions de Batailley

Answer 34

Pastourelle de Clerc-Milon

Answer 35

Château d'Armailhac, Château Marquis d'Alesme-Becker

Answer 36

Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet

Answer 37

Sarget de Gruaud-Larose

Answer 38

Les Hauts du Tertre

Answer 39

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)

Answer 40

1932 gave 444 properties cru bourgeois exceptionnel, cru bourgeois supérieur, and the basic cru bourgeois Exceptionnel: Château Malescasse, Potensac, Chasse Spleen

Answer 41

Dry reds and whites

Answer 42

only sweet wines

Answer 43

Château Bouscaut Château Carbonnieux Domaine de Chevalier Château Malartic-Lagravière Château La Tour-Martillac Château Olivier

Answer 44

Château de Fieuzal Château Haut-Bailly Château Haut-Brion Château La Mission Haut-Brion Château Pape-Clément Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte

Answer 45

Château Couhins Château Couhins-Lurton Château Laville-Haut-Brion

Answer 46

Barsac, Sauternes, Fargues, Preignac, Bommes

Answer 47

Minimum Potential Alcohol: 15% (12% acquired) Minimum Must Weight: 221 g/l Minimum Residual Sugar: 45 g/l

Answer 48

Élevage: The wines may not be released until June 30 of the year following the harvest Minimum Planting Density: 6,500 vines per hectare

Answer 49

the Ciron and the Garonne

Answer 50

14% while climbing into a residual sugar range of 120-160 g/l

Answer 51

Cerons, Illats, Podensac sweet white wines under the Cérons AOP or dry white and red wines labeled Graves

Answer 52

Blaye and Bourg

Answer 53

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

Answer 54

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.

Answer 55

Rouge: Principal Varieties: Min. 80% combined Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot Accessory Varieties: Cot (Malbec), max. 10% Petit Verdot, max. 10% Carmenère

Answer 56

Saillans and La Rivière

Answer 57

80-100% Merlot Canon is typically held in higher regard

Answer 58

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

Answer 59

Encircled by the Isle and Barbanne rivers and the town of Libourne

Answer 60

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

Answer 61

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOP Merlot dominates

Answer 62

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

Answer 63

dry and sweet white wines, occasionally with a touch of botrytis Right Bank between Loupiac and Cadillac

Answer 64

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

Answer 65

—Cadillac, Loupiac, and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont— Right Bank

Answer 66

sweet white wine-only appellation, mandating at least 34 g/l of residual sugar. Sémillon is the appellation’s dominant grape

Answer 67

sweet wines

Answer 68

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

Answer 69

red wines Cadillac AOP sweet wines Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux AOP reds

Answer 70

Blaye: red Francs: red, very few whites and sweet St Foy: red, white and sweet

Answer 71

sweet white wines

Answer 72

both 90% reds Merlot based 10-5% few whites The region also has the highest concentration of Malbec vines anywhere in Bordeaux

Answer 73

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

Answer 74

Chateau Lafleur VCC Chateau de Beauregard

Answer 75

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

Answer 76

Moueix who introduced green harvesting in the 80s Michel Rolland Thienpont Families

Answer 77

1982,2009,2015,2016

Answer 78

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

Answer 79

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

Answer 80

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

Answer 81

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

Answer 82

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

Answer 83

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

Answer 84

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

Answer 85

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

Answer 86

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

Answer 87

1959 produced 33 vintages and since 2004 each year

Answer 88

Chateau Giraud 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc maintains one of the highest percentages of Sauvignon Blanc in the Sauternes appellation

Answer 89

Chateau La Tour Blanche Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey Chateau Rayne-Vigneau Chateau Rabaud-Promis Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud

Answer 90

Chateau Rieussec

Answer 91

Chateau Climens Chateau Coutet

Answer 92

Chateau Suduiraut

Answer 93

Sauternes: Chateau d'Arche Barsac: Chateau Myrat, Chateau Doisy-Daëne/Védrines/Dubroca, Chateau Nairac, Chateau Broustet and Chateau Caillou Chateau Doisy-Daene (exceptional quality)

Answer 94

Castelnau de Suduiraut (99% Semillon in some vintages)

Answer 95

Cypres de Climens (one of the best)

Answer 96

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

Answer 97

There is no second wine. However, in select vintages, the estate produces a dry, white Bordeaux wine, Guilhem de Fargues unclassified

Answer 98

La Chartreuse de Coutet

Answer 99

Carmes de Rieussec

Answer 100

La Demoiselle de Doisy

Answer 101

Petit Védrines

Answer 102

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

Answer 103

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

Answer 104

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.

Answer 105

known as eventail (gobelet a cot de Sauternais) for Semillon and Muscadelle single or double Guyot for Sauvignon

Answer 106

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

Answer 107

Ygrec S de Suduiraut G de Giraud (one of the best) Opalie at Coutet (Barsac) Semillante de Sigalas

Answer 108

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.

Answer 109

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

Answer 110

Small amounts only in exceptional vintages from Chateau Coutet

Answer 111

Chateau Climes in Barsac 100% Semillon Chateau Haut-Peyraguey in Bommes 99% Semillon 1% Sauv at the highest point of Bommes Castelnau de Suduiraut

Answer 112

Symphonie de Haut-Peyraguey No dry wine

Answer 113

La Chapelle de Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Answer 114

Lafite since 1984 lies below Yquem

Answer 115

R de Rieussec (50-50)

Answer 116

Domaine de l'Alliance Chateau Bastor-Lamontagne Clos Dady Chateau Gilette

Answer 117

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.

Answer 118

Castets (red)

Answer 119

Cos d'Estournel in 2023

Answer 120

Tokaji with they obtained the Hetszolo estate

Answer 121

Lafon-Rochet 2 second wines: Les Pelerins de Lafon Rochet and Les Secrets de Lafon Rochet

Answer 122

Le Charme de Cos Labory

Answer 123

Mouton Armailhac Clerc Milon Almaviva Opus One

Answer 124

Duhart Milon Reiussec L'Evangile Domaine de Philippe de Rothchild (Champagne) Domaine de Aussieres Bodegas Caro (Argentina) Penglai Peninsula Los Vascos

Answer 125

Le Clementin du Pape Clement

Answer 126

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

Answer 127

Lagrave Martillac Les Haut de Smith/Le Petits haut Lafite La Chapelle de La Mission Haut Brion

Answer 128

Chateau Le Puy in Francs Cote de Bordeaux

Answer 129

Lieutenant de Sigalas La Chapelle de Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Answer 130

multivintage sauternes of secondary lots realesed 6 times

Answer 131

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

Answer 132

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

Answer 133

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

Answer 134

La Gravette de Certan

Answer 135

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

Answer 136

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

Answer 137

3d growth Margaux

Answer 138

3d growth Margaux

Answer 139

3d growth Margaux

Answer 140

3d growth Margaux

Answer 141

4th growth St Julien

Answer 142

4th growth Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)

Answer 143

4th growth St Julien

Answer 144

4th growth Pauillac

Answer 145

4th growth Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)

Answer 146

4th growth St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)

Answer 147

4th growth Margaux

Answer 148

5th growth Labarde (Margaux)

Answer 149

5th growth Pauillac

Answer 150

5th growth St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)

Answer 151

5th growth St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)

Answer 152

5th growth Pauillac

Answer 153

5th growth Pauillac

Answer 154

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

Answer 155

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

Answer 156

La Grande Vidure

Answer 157

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

Answer 158

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

Answer 159

Chateaux Lagrange- Les Arums de Lagrange Chateaux Talbot- Caillou Blanc both AOC Bordeaux Blanc

Answer 160

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

Answer 161

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

Answer 162

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

Answer 163

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

Answer 164

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

Answer 165

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

Answer 166

St Estephe Phelan Segur, Pez, Les Ormes de Pez

Answer 167

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

Answer 168

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

Answer 169

Red wine AOC only Uchida Osamu Belgrave La Lagune Sociando Mallet

Answer 170

La Tour Carnet 4th growth Haut Medoc 191ha

Answer 171

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

Answer 172

12ha Pomerol 80% Merlot and Cab Franc 75% new oak Dense, seductive fruit with succulent tannins shift to organics and experiment with amphoras

Answer 173

4.5ha Denis Dourantou 85% Merlot, Cab Franc and 1% Malbec 70% new oak

Answer 174

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

Answer 175

Red wines only

Answer 176

Castillon, Cadillac, Francs, Blaye and Ste-Foy

Answer 177

Reds: mainly Merlot Whites: Semillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle

Answer 178

Blaye AOC: red only Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux: red only

Answer 179

red and white mainly Merlot and Sauvignon

Answer 180

Roc de Cambes and Falfas

Answer 181

Entre-deux-mers AOC Bordeaux Bordeaux Superior Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux Ste-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux

Answer 182

red and white

Answer 183

white only

Answer 184

red only mainly Merlot

Answer 185

red, white and sweet

Answer 186

white and sweet wines

Answer 187

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

Answer 188

1981: good wines and heavy rain causing problems at harvest 1984: average yields and quality

Answer 189

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

Answer 190

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

Answer 191

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

Answer 192

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

Answer 193

1998: An abundant year with a hot August, excellent wines mostly on the Right Bank Pomerol and St Emillion, Cheval Blanc and Figeac top

Answer 194

2000: Exceptional quality in all of Bordeaux with rich, tannic and deep coloured wines

Answer 195

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

Answer 196

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

Answer 197

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

Answer 198

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

Answer 199

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

Answer 200

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

Answer 201

Ch. Climens Asphodèle 100% Semillon aged on the lees in concrete vats for 8 months

Answer 202

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.

Answer 203

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

Answer 204

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

Answer 205

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)”

Answer 206

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

Answer 207

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

Answer 208

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

Answer 209

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

Answer 210

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

Answer 211

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

Answer 212

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

Answer 213

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

Answer 214

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

Answer 215

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

Answer 216

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

Answer 217

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

Answer 218

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

Answer 219

Montrose 1970, las cases 1971, mouton, haut brion 1970

Answer 220

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.

Answer 221

Chateau Gloria

Answer 222

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)

Answer 223

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

Answer 224

Blanc de Lynch Bages Hauts de Pontet Canet Blanc

Answer 225

Lady Langoa

Answer 226

all styles

Answer 227

Bordeaux Haut Benauge: white and sweet Entre-deux-Mers Haut Benauge: dry whites

Answer 228

Les Remparts de Ferriere (biodynamic)

Answer 229

La Dame de Malescot

Answer 230

Initial de Desmirail

Answer 231

Les Hauts de Canon La Gaffeliere

Answer 232

Clos La Gaffeliere

Answer 233

Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere: Clos Marsalette in Pessac Chateau Valandraud: Valandraud Blanc

Answer 234

Tertre Roteboeuf and Chateau Le Dome

Answer 235

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

Answer 236

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.

Answer 237

Red: Arinarnoa, (Tannat x Cabernet Sauvignon crossing) Castets, Marselan (Grenache x Cabernet Sauvignon crossing) Touriga Nacional White: Alvarinho Liliorila ( Baroques x Chardonnay crossing)

Bordeaux Flashcards

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