Chateau Belle Vue, Haut Medoc, 2011

In 1855, the chateaus of Bordeaux were graded in the 1855 classification ('cru classé'). This was supposed to be reviewed every now and again.

Except, erm...it wasn't.

So SOME of those chateaus that were originally cru classé in 1855 are now WORSE that their cheaper, unclassified neighbours.

If you weren't rubbing the right shoulders in 1855, your only chance of being recognised these days is achieving 'Cru Bourgeois' status.

Château Belle-Vue is now openly considered as one of Medoc’s best Crus Bourgeois and is often ranked at the same level as certain Crus Classés. Its deep gravel soil confers to it a subtle balance between finesse and strength.

In fact, as of the 2018 vintage, it is classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the top tier of that classification.