Our Wines: First Growth
First growth wines, classified according to the 1855 Classifications are generally regarded as the crème de le crème of Bordeaux wines and are some of the most sought after fine wines in the world. Demand for first growth Bordeaux has risen dramatically over the past ten years, particularly from China and the Far East. Prices for first growth wines start around £4,000 per case of 12 bottles.
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Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite Rothschild is situated in the north-west of Bordeaux, in the Medoc region. The estate is now owned by the French branch of the Rothschild banking family but the winery has been produced on the site since at least the 17th century.
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Latour
like Lafite, Château Latour is situated in the Medoc region of Bordeaux. The vineyards at Château Latour were established around 1670 and now produce approximately 18,000 cases of wine per year. Many wine connoisseurs believe Château Latour to be the leading first growth and it is often declared to be "wine of the vintage". Despite this, prices for Latour have not risen as dramatically as those of Lafite.
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Margaux
Château Margaux also has a wine-making history dating back to the 16th century and now sits on an estate spanning 262 hectares, of which 82 are under vine. Despite a troublesome period in the first three quarters of the twentieth century, Château Margaux bounced back and now makes wines truly deserving of their first growth status. Approximately 12,500 cases of Château Margaux are produced each year and recently the Château's second wine, Pavillon Rogue, has been receiving significant attention.
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Mouton Rothschild
Château Mouton Rothschild was originally classified as a second growth wine but in 1973 became the first (and to date only) wine to be upgraded to first growth status. Approximately 25,000 cases of Mouton Rothschild are produced each year. Since the end of the Second World War the Chateau has become known for commissioning a new label for its wine each year. The changing labels on the bottles enhance the collectability of Chateau Mouton Rothschild.
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Haut Brion
Château Haut Brion also has a wine producing history dating back centuries and it is known that vines have been cultivated on its site for at least six hundred years. While the Château is known for its innovations, such as the introduction of stainless steel vats in the early 1960s, it has received relatively little attention when compared to the other first growths over the past decade. For this reason cases of Château Haut Brion are available today for what may turn out to be bargain prices.