Bordeaux’s original classification by Napoleon III in 1855 has remained nearly unchanged, representing just 61 chateaux and leaving many quality producers without deserved prestige and recognition. The Cru Bourgeois classification that Chateau Labadie attained was introduced to the Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux and the regional Chamber of Agriculture in 1932, giving proper accolades to the quality coming from Chateaux left out of the original classification but fully deserving growers and vintners in their own right.

 

Bordeaux’s 2016 vintage was excellent, reminding critics of some of the region’s most famous vintages from the 1980s but with greater clarity and precision due to advances in the vineyards and wineries. Not only is this one of Bordeaux’s most note-worthy vintages in the last 40 years, but this wine comes from a producer whose primary concern isn’t about image but consistency of quality, which you’ll taste in this remarkable expression from the Medoc.