Taking effect from the 2025 vintage, there are now 170 estates that made it into the 2025 classification down from 249 in 2020 – a decrease of 37.7%. They include 14 Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, 36 Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and 120 Cru Bourgeois.
More demanding selection criteria
The decrease in overall numbers could be accounted for by the difficult market conditions currently facing many wineries in the region, as well as the introduction of stricter requirements across all tiers.
As before, estates were assessed through blind tastings of five vintages to gauge consistency of quality and potential for ageing. However, the standards for Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and Exceptionnel have been elevated to assess the various technical, viticultural and commercial investments estates make throughout the year.
To qualify, estates had to provide extensive dossiers detailing their vineyard management, sustainability initiatives, and sales strategies. Visitor facilities, brand development, and market presence was also taken into consideration. Furthermore, the classification placed increased emphasis on environmental certification with every property visited to ensure they met the eligibility criteria.
Cru Bourgeois estates needed a minimum level two environmental certification (e.g. AREA, Bee Friendly, TerraVitis), while Supérieur and Exceptionnel properties had to achieve Levels two and three HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification.
A total of 10 experts studied each dossier to award points before a six-member jury, chaired by Philippe Faure-Brac, 1992 World’s Best Sommelier, determined the final distinctions. For the highest classification of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, estates had to receive a two-thirds majority vote from the jury in a secret ballot.
There are the same number of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnels this year as in 2020. Six estates have retained their ranking, eight have been upgraded and eight have disappeared from the classification altogether. They include d’Agassac, Arnauld, Belle-Vue, Cambon la Pelouse, Charmail (Haut-Médoc), Lestage (Listrac-Médoc), Le Boscq and Lilian Ladoulys (St-Éstephe).
Médoc map Cru Bourgeois
The new ‘Exceptionnel’ estates are;
AOC MÉDOC
Château la Cardonne – new, previously Supérieur
Château Castera – new, previously Supérieur
Château Laujac – new, previously Supérieur
AOC HAUT-MÉDOC
Château Malescasse
Château de Malleret
Château Paloumey – new, previously Supérieur
Château Reysson – new, previously Supérieur
Château du Taillan
AOC LISTRAC-MÉDOC
Château Reverdi – new, previously Supérieur
AOC MARGAUX
Château d’Arsac
Château Mongravey – new, previously Supérieur
Château Paveil de Luze
AOC SAINT-ESTÈPHE
Château le Crock
Château Lafitte Carcasset – new, previously Supérieur
A classification with consumer confidence in mind
With the return of a structured ranking in 2020, the Cru Bourgeois system aims to offer greater clarity for consumers while allowing top-performing estates to differentiate themselves. The latest update strengthens this approach by ensuring consistency and quality across all levels.
‘We have chosen to raise the selection criteria for the 2025 classification to help the entire Cru Bourgeois family produce wines that are varied, consistent, and of the highest quality,’ said Armelle Cruse, vice-president of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois.
While the ranking sees fewer estates classified than before, perhaps a small number, that has been more rigorously assessed, will make the offer more honed for consumers. Previous classification updates sparked debate, particularly around the role of marketing and tourism in the rankings. However, the increased scrutiny of sustainability credentials is likely to be a step welcomed by many in the industry.
‘It’s a constructive classification that reflects a particular period. The candidate estates wanted to be recognised for all the steps they have taken and the…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/eight-new-estates-upgraded-to-top-of-cru-bourgeois-classification-as-2025-results-revealed-550748/
