Which Fifth Growths are currently considered to have quality and reputation surpassing some Third or Fourth Growths? (e.g., Lynch-Bages, Pontet-Canet)

Bordeaux Red WineRed WineWine ClassificationFifth GrowthsWine QualityChâteau Reputation
Created At: 8/7/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

Those "Overachievers" Among Bordeaux's Fifth Growths

Hey there! As a veteran Bordeaux wine enthusiast, let me chat about this topic. The 1855 Bordeaux Classification (primarily for Médoc) ranked châteaux from First to Fifth Growths based on price and reputation at the time. But today, many Fifth Growths produce outstanding wines—some even outshine certain Third or Fourth Growths in popularity. Why? Ownership changes, improved winemaking techniques, stellar vintages, and market enthusiasm all play a role. Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet, mentioned in your query, are classic examples. I’ll add a few more and briefly explain why they stand out.

Why Do Some Fifth Growths "Overperform"?

Simply put, the classification is over 160 years old, and relentless effort by châteaux has shifted the landscape. Some Fifth Growths invested heavily, adopted organic or biodynamic farming, and elevated their wines’ complexity, balance, and aging potential. Prices rose too—sometimes surpassing Third Growths! Of course, this isn’t official recognition but a consensus among critics (like Parker or Wine Spectator) and drinkers.

Notable Examples

Here are Fifth Growths frequently praised for exceeding the quality and reputation of certain Third or Fourth Growths (like underperformers Cantenac-Brown or Kirwan). Most hail from Pauillac, a region renowned for exceptional wines.

  • Château Lynch-Bages
    A star among Fifth Growths, often dubbed a "Super Second." Full-bodied with intense dark fruit, refined tannins, and aging potential beyond 20 years. Why exceptional? Rigorous estate management and consistent 90+ scores from critics. Market prices sometimes exceed Fourth Growths like Duhart-Milon. Having tasted it multiple times, I find it more profound than some Third Growths (e.g., Langoa-Barton).

  • Château Pontet-Canet
    Another Pauillac powerhouse. Recently transitioned to biodynamics (organic, chemical-free), achieving remarkable purity and elegance. Regularly scores 95+ from critics like Parker, rivaling Second Growths. More modern and eco-conscious than Fourth Growths like Talbot, its value surges accordingly. Among my peers, many rank it above numerous Third Growths.

  • Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
    A classic Pauillac Fifth Growth with notes of tobacco and blackcurrant, impeccably balanced. Family-owned for generations, it delivers consistent quality. Critics call it "the poor man’s Latour" (Latour being a First Growth). Often outperforms Third Growths like Giscours in blind tastings—excellent reputation and value.

  • Château Batailley
    Also from Pauillac: robust, tannic, and built for long aging. Significant improvements in recent years boosted its scores. More reliable than some Fourth Growths (e.g., Prieuré-Lichine), its reputation now matches or surpasses select Third Growths.

  • Château du Tertre
    From Margaux, this elegant Fifth Growth offers floral notes and silky texture. Recent investments elevated its quality. Often deemed more charming than Third Growths like Desmirail, with strong market appeal.

Quick Tips

Not every vintage is legendary—weather matters (e.g., stellar years like 2010 or 2016). For beginners, try Lynch-Bages: widely available and best embodies the "overachiever" spirit. Price? A standard bottle ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand RMB, depending on vintage. Remember: the classification is just a reference—today’s quality reigns supreme! If you have specific châteaux questions, just ask—I’ll gladly share more insights. 🍷

Created At: 08-07 09:59:24Updated At: 08-09 22:53:50