Premier Cru Classe Bordeaux at Margaux AOC, estate founded 1572, now owned by the Mentzelopoulos family. Cabernet-dominant blends with 18 to 24 months in new oak barrel ageing.
Signature wines: chateau-margaux-grand-vin, pavillon-rouge-du-chateau-margaux, pavillon-blanc-du-chateau-margaux
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2016), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)
Address: Chateau Margaux, 33460 Margaux, France, Bordeaux
First-growth Pauillac estate with 112 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines. Owned by the Rothschild family; fully organic since 2024 with Saskia de Rothschild at the helm.
Tasting: Currently closed for renovations until 2026. Alternative visits at Chateau Duhart-Milon.
Signature wines: lafite-rothschild, carruades-de-lafite
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2003), Wine Spectator 100 (1996)
First-growth Pauillac estate with 78 hectares at the southeastern tip of Pauillac commune. Owned by Groupe Artemis since 1993; withdrew from en primeur system in 2012.
Tasting: By appointment only for professionals; visiting restricted.
Signature wines: latour-grand-vin, les-forts-de-latour, pauillac-de-latour
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Advocate 100 (2003)
Pauillac first-growth elevated from second in 1973, famous for its artist-label series. 83 hectares planted 81% Cabernet Sauvignon; Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy is technical director since 2020.
Tasting: Visits by appointment; museum of wine in art open to visitors.
Signature wines: mouton-rothschild, le-petit-mouton, aile-dargent
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1982), Wine Advocate 98 (2016)
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.
Tasting: Visits by appointment only for professionals.
Signature wines: chateau-haut-brion-rouge, haut-brion-blanc, le-clarence-de-haut-brion
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1989)
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)
