Fairly new to the study of Bordeaux- a few questions for the forum:

1) What are your opinions on reverse osmosis- is it cheating ?

2) Are Cru Bourgeois Estates only in Medoc. Also, does the membership basis of this classification make it irrelevant ?

3) In 1973 when Mouton- Rothschild was elevated - what was the justification for this matriculation ?

Also- will any other "Super Seconds" attempt such a lobby in the future ?

4) In St. Emilion they classify every 10 years- with two wines being graded Premier Grand Cru Classe " A "- have those always been Cheval-Blanc and Ausone ?

5) How is tannin ripeness determined ?

6 ) What does Botrytis taste like ?

THANKS

I'll respond to the ones I know something about.

2) Are Cru Bourgeois Estates only in Medoc. Also, does the membership basis of this classification make it irrelevant ?

Yes, this classification is only in the Medoc. It was originally completed in the 1930s as an extention of the "grand cru" classification of 1855- they even contemplated two rankings below cru bourgeois: cru artisan and cru paysan (i.e. peasant). It shows how class-based French society was back then. Crus artisan still exist. See discussion here.

The cru bourgeois classification was revised in the 1970s, and then again last year when it was weeded down significantly. A couple really noteworth Medoc wines do not participate, e.g. Sociando Mallet.

There is a list of all the crus bourgeois and a lot more background than I have given at www.medoc-wines.com here.

3) In 1973 when Mouton- Rothschild was elevated - what was the justification for this matriculation ?

Long-time lobbying by Baron Philippe de Rothschild to get it changed.

Also- will any other "Super Seconds" attempt such a lobby in the future ?

It is unlikely. I think people who drink a lot of this stuff and determine the market know which ones are the best, and do not need a premier cru label to guide them. Easily available wine ratings by Rober Parker and other trusted critics kind of make the whole 1855 classification irrelevant.

The Business Post (Ireland) had this to say about reclassification a few years back. Some of the big-shot owners have changed, but the principle is the same.

quote:

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"To change the 1855 League Table would set the French government up to cross swords with some of the wealthiest companies and tycoons in the world. Chateau Margaux, for instance, is the prized possession of Italy's powerful Agnelli family, owners of Fiat and Ferrari. They would probably not appreciate any tampering with the first classed growth status of their chateau.

Chateau Latour, meanwhile, is owned by billionaire Francois Pinault, whose empire includes Samsonite Luggage, Le Point Magazine, retailer Printemps and Christie's auction house, as well as a controlling interest in Gucci.

He also owns the ski resort of Vail, Colorado, and is a close friend of President Chirac. He is said to treasure first classed growth Latour above all his other possessions.

The French government and many chateau owners appear reticent to discuss the matter, let alone consider reclassification. Too much money is at stake. So wine lovers are on their own."

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4) In St. Emilion they classify every 10 years- with two wines being graded Premier Grand Cru Classe " A "- have those always been Cheval-Blanc and Ausone ?

The first classification was in 1955 and then there were reclassifications in 1969, 1986 and 1996. I can't find data for the first two rounds, but since 1985 the answer is yes.

1986
First Growths (Premiers Crus) Classés — A
Château Ausone,
Château Cheval Blanc

First Growths (Premiers Crus) Classés — B
Château Beauséjour-Duffau La Garrosse
Château Belair
ChâteauCanon
Clos Fourtet
Château Figeac
Château La Gaffeliére
Château Magdelaine
Château Pavie
Château Trottevieille

1996

First Growths (Premiers Grands Crus Classés)
"A" Classification
Château Ausone
Château Cheval blanc

"B" Classification
Château L'Angélus
Château Beau Séjour-Bécot
Château Beauséjour Dufau-Lagarosse
Château Belair
Château Canon
Clos Fourtet
Château Figeac
Château La Gaffelière
Château Magdeleine
Château Pavie
Château Trottevielle


Wine spectator online has relevant articles re St-Emilion reclassification here and here; and on the Medoc 1855 classification here.

Thanks for a very informative response-