The only non-Medoc first-growth in the 1855 classification, estate since 1521 in Pessac. Merlot-driven blends from iron-rich gravelly soils; Domaine Clarence Dillon owner.
Signature wines: chateau-haut-brion-rouge, haut-brion-blanc, le-clarence-de-haut-brion
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1989)
Address: 135 avenue Jean Jaurès, 33608 Pessac, France, Bordeaux
Iconic Saint-Emilion estate on 39 hectares with an unusual 52% Cabernet Franc dominant blend. Withdrew from the Saint-Emilion classification in 2022; co-owned by LVMH.
Tasting: Visits by appointment; contact through official site.
Signature wines: chateau-cheval-blanc, le-petit-cheval, le-petit-cheval-blanc
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1990), Wine Spectator 100 (1947)
The world's most prestigious Pomerol, just 11.4 hectares of 100% Merlot on blue clay. Production of 30,000 bottles per year; Olivier Berrouet winemaker since 2008.
Tasting: Not open to the public. No visits or tastings accepted.
Signature wines: petrus-pomerol
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Wine Advocate 100 (1998)
Ultra-micro Pomerol estate of just 2.7 hectares producing 400 to 600 cases of 100% Merlot per year. One of the most expensive wines in Bordeaux; first vintage 1979.
Tasting: Not open to the public.
Signature wines: le-pin-pomerol
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Decanter 100 (1982)
Pomerol's counterpart to Petrus, owned by the Thienpont family since 1924. 14-hectare contiguous plot planted 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc; 100th anniversary celebrated in 2024.
Tasting: Visits by appointment.
Signature wines: vieux-chateau-certan, gravette-de-certan
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2015), Vinous 98 (2018)
The only Sauternes Premier Cru Superieur, producing botrytised Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc of extraordinary longevity. LVMH-owned; Sandrine Garbay winemaker; average 10 hl/ha yield.
Tasting: Tours and tastings available by appointment; booking through official site.
Signature wines: chateau-dyquem, y-de-yquem
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2001), Wine Spectator 100 (2001)
Historic Saint-Emilion estate of 7 hectares planted 55% Cabernet Franc on limestone plateau; family-owned Vauthier; ultra-limited annual production of around 1,500 cases.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: chateau-ausone, chapelle-dausone
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)
