I was hoping that some of the Bordeaux lovers on this board could help me out. Generally speaking, do cru bourgeois have the same long-term aging potential as some of the classified growths? I understand that the same level of quality wouldn't be there, but do they become over the hill in a shorter period of time? This question might be too broad in a sense. It probably depends on the specific producer. But say, for example, a typical cru bourgeois from a solid vintage (say 1989 or 2000). How long before they are over the hill (assuming proper storage)? Thanks in advance!

I agree with you that it depends entirely on the producer, the vintage and the storage conditions. A top cru bourgeois from a fine year should last 20 years if well stored.

Names that often have the stuffing to age well include: Sociando-Mallet, Potensac, Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Haut-Bailly, La Tour Haut-Brion, etc.

smith-h-lafitte is a CB as is TourHB and h baily

Free Martha!

As a broad generalization, crus bourgeois from St. Estephe have long aging potential. 1982 Chateau Meyney is still not at its full maturity. The 1982 Ormes de Pez, de Pez and Haut Marbuzet were all still drinking in 2000. They are all characteristic St Estephe...very tannic and slow to give.

1982 Sociando Mallet, which is just outside of St. Estephe to the north but exhibits similar characteristics, is also still drinking.

cbmac - I just read your cru bourgeois primer on vinocellar and found it very helpful! I'm really getting into Bordeaux, but can't yet afford the better classified growths! Someday!