news

Bordeaux: Liv-Ex redo the 1855 Classification - 10/03/2009

Liv-Ex, the fine wine trading exchange and source of all sorts of wonderful information about the fine wine market, have released an updated version of the infamous 1855 classification of Bordeaux.

Originally conceived in 1855 as part of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce's presence at the Paris Universal Exhibition, the classification was based on the one thing that really matters in Bordeaux: price. Rather amazingly, it has survived for over 150 years and the First Growths then are still the most sought after wines.

Liv-Ex's version is based on the same single criteria as the original one. It is based purely on the average wholesale price of the wines from 2003 to 2007.

It has thrown up a few surprises but it has also shown how durable the 1855 classification is. Compare the two side by side and you will find as many similiarites as you will differences.

You can read the Liv-Ex classification here.

The highlights include:

  • La Mission Haut-Brion joining the illustrious club of First Growths
  • Lynch-Bages and Pontet-Canet climbing up the ranks from 5th Growths to 2nd and 3rd respectively - both rising over 25 places in the list
  • Chateau Palmer becomes the top Super Second
  • Old Bibendum favourites from Graves Haut-Bailly and Smith-Haut-Lafitte are among the top "new entries"

Of course, the real proof of the pudding is in the eating and the real way to judge Bordeaux is on its taste rather than its price tag. And the best way to do that is to get yourself down to Lord's on Wednesday, April 22nd for the Bibendum Bordeaux Tasting as over 50 top chateaux are bringing their wines to London. You'd be mad to miss it.