The concept of “second wines” or “second label” in Bordeaux, particularly among the revered First through Fifth Growths, has evolved dramatically over time. Once seen as by-products of the winemaking process, these second labels are now prized in their own right. They are produced from the same hallowed vineyards as their grand vins but typically use fruit from younger vines or lots that, while still of exceptional quality, do not meet the château’s rigorous standards for its top wine. Today, second wines are celebrated as outstanding examples of Bordeaux winemaking, offering a more approachable, yet still luxurious, taste of the prestigious estates.
First Growths
The First Growths of Bordeaux—**Château Lafite Rothschild**, **Château Latour**, **Château Margaux**, **Château Haut-Brion**, and **Château Mouton Rothschild**—are legendary. Their second wines, crafted with precision and care, reflect the extraordinary terroir and winemaking expertise that have made these estates famous. Far from being simple afterthoughts, these second labels are renowned for their sophistication, balance, and ability to offer a glimpse of the grand vin’s grandeur at a more accessible price point.
– **Château Lafite Rothschild** produces **Carruades de Lafite**, a second wine that has achieved near-iconic status. Carruades captures the elegance and refinement that Lafite is known for, with the added allure of being slightly more approachable in its youth. It is celebrated for its silky tannins, complex structure, and long finish, often competing with the grand vins of lesser estates.
– **Château Latour’s** second wine, **Les Forts de Latour**, is widely regarded as one of the finest second wines in Bordeaux, regularly surpassing expectations and receiving high praise from critics. Les Forts showcases the remarkable power and longevity that are hallmarks of Château Latour, often exhibiting deep concentration, minerality, and a robust structure that places it among the top wines of Pauillac.
– **Château Margaux** crafts **Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux**, a second wine known for its grace and precision. Pavillon Rouge captures the quintessential elegance of Margaux, with delicate floral aromas, refined tannins, and a harmonious balance that can rival many grand vins. It is one of the most sought-after second wines, frequently praised for its depth and complexity.
– **Château Haut-Brion** offers **Le Clarence de Haut-Brion**, a second wine that has gained a reputation for being nearly as luxurious and polished as the grand vin. The rich, earthy characteristics of Haut-Brion shine through in Le Clarence, making it a favorite among collectors who seek the château’s signature opulence and depth at a more affordable price.
– **Château Mouton Rothschild** produces **Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild**, a second wine that brims with the flamboyant character that Mouton is known for. It boasts bold, ripe fruit flavors, intricate spice notes, and a velvety texture that make it a showstopper in its own right. Le Petit Mouton has earned high marks from critics for consistently delivering the power and complexity of its older sibling.
Second through Fifth Growths
Beyond the First Growths, the Second through Fifth Growths of the 1855 Classification also produce second wines of exceptional quality, each reflecting the unique characteristics of their respective terroirs.
– **Château Pichon Longueville Baron** (Second Growth, Pauillac) produces **Les Griffons de Pichon Baron**, a second wine that showcases the château’s signature structure and depth. Les Griffons is known for its powerful tannic profile and dense concentration of black fruit, often noted for its remarkable aging potential. Similarly, **Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande** offers **Réserve de la Comtesse**, an elegant and polished second wine, celebrated for its supple tannins and feminine grace.
– **Château Léoville Las Cases** (Second Growth, Saint-Julien) creates **Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases**, a wine with the same rigor and attention to detail as the grand vin. Petit Lion is praised for its intensity, complexity, and ability to age, making it a frequent favorite among those seeking value without sacrificing quality.
– **Château Ducru-Beaucaillou** (Second Growth, Saint-Julien) offers **La Croix de Beaucaillou**, a wine renowned for its balance of power and elegance. It mirrors the refined minerality and purity of fruit that Ducru is famous for, frequently earning accolades for its finesse.
– **Château Rauzan-Ségla** (Second Growth, Margaux) produces **Ségla**, a second wine that consistently impresses with its harmonious structure and Margaux elegance. Critics often praise its seamless integration of fruit, tannin, and acidity, making it a highly regarded option for early drinking or extended cellaring.
In the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growths, second wines continue to offer exceptional quality and value.
– **Château Palmer** (Third Growth, Margaux) is a standout, producing **Alter Ego de Palmer**, which is often lauded as one of the finest second wines in Bordeaux. Alter Ego is known for its opulence and richness, often rivaling the grand vins of many estates in both complexity and refinement.
– **Château Talbot** (Fourth Growth, Saint-Julien) produces **Connétable de Talbot**, a second wine that displays a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and structure, earning accolades for its accessibility and classic Saint-Julien profile.
– **Château Pontet-Canet** (Fifth Growth, Pauillac) offers **Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet**, a wine that reflects the estate’s commitment to biodynamic winemaking. Les Hauts is celebrated for its purity and depth, consistently delivering a wine of substance and complexity at a more affordable price than the grand vin.
Conclusion
Bordeaux’s second wines, from the prestigious First Growths down through the Fifth Growths, offer remarkable opportunities to experience world-class winemaking without the hefty price tag of their grand vins. These wines are not simply “second best”; they are expressions of their estates’ extraordinary terroirs and winemaking expertise. With increasing recognition from critics and wine lovers alike, second wines have become an integral part of Bordeaux’s legacy, delivering quality, accessibility, and often aging potential that can rival top wines from other regions.