Our Wines: Second Growth
Like the first growth wines, the second growths were classified in the 1855 Classifications. Demand for second growth wines is currently rising but prices remain significantly lower than those of the first growths. Second growth wines can currently be obtained at bargain prices and demand is likely to increase dramatically over the next few years as individuals are priced out of the first growth market.
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Leoville Las Cases
Chateau Leoville Las Cases is situated in the northern tip of the St. Julien appellation and is famous for its great walled vineyard. Las Cases is generally regarded as the best of the Leoville chateaux and is viewed by many as a "super-second" wine, comparable in quality to any of the first growths.
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Leoville Barton
Leoville Barton is a wine that is well known for excellent quality at generally affordable prices. This production and pricing strategy is driven by the passion of proprietor Anthony Barton and has resulted in the chateau being held in high regard by many wine enthusiasts. Although prices have increased in recent years, it continues to produce consistently good wines.
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Leoville Poyferre
Chateau Leoville Poyferre arose from the division of Chateau Leoville Las Cases in 1840. Although it suffered a disappointing period in the mid-20th century it has enjoyed a renaissance that began in the 1980s and has continued in to the 21st century.
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Pichon Baron
Like a number of other Bordeaux wines, Chateau Pichon-Baron experienced a decline in fortunes during the 1970s and 1980s, producing many wines that were not held to be of high enough quality for a second growth. However, in 1987 the Chateau changed hands, and as a result of continued investment, Pichon Baron is once again producing high calibre wines. One to watch for the future.
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Pichon Lalande
Situated next to Chateau Latour, Chateau Pichon Lalande has a reputation for producing great wines with consistent quality year after year. This wine often stands out in what are otherwise bad years for Bordeaux and can present a significant challenge to the first growths.
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Cos d'Estournel
Spread out over 173 acres, Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a wine that has seen significant investment in recent years. The Chateau building itself has undergone significant restoration and proprietor Jean-Guillaume Prats has also invested heavily in the production of the wine. The result is likely to be increased quality over the years to come making Cos a wine to watch out for.
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Montrose
Although established in 1815, Chateau Montrose is considered one of the youngsters in Bordeaux. Montrose is another Bordeaux wine that is known for its consistent performance across vintages and also has a reputation for aging well.