Grand cru is usually translated to “great growth”, though the long-winded “(product of) a great growing site” gives a clearer understanding of the meaning. Cru is the past participle of the verb croître, to grow. However, what this term means in practice in the French wine industry varies by region.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild has upgraded to 1st Growth Status in 1973, the only change ever to made to 1855 Classification. Throughout past centuries, the price of the wines increased steadily and higher than other Bordeaux wines in First Growth.

Château Lafite Rothschild is a wine estate in France, owned by members of the Rothschild family since the 19th century. The name Lafite comes from the surname of the La Fite family.

Lafite was one of four wine-producing châteaux of Bordeaux originally awarded First Growth status in the 1855 Classification, which was based on the prices and wine quality at that time. Since then, it has been a consistent producer of one of the world’s most expensive red wines.

Château Margaux, a 1er Cru Classé property, has been owned by the Mentzelopoulos family since 1978 – since then it has consistently produced the finest wines in the Médoc.

Chateau Batailley is honored to be on Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Chateau Batailley has always been considered the jewel of the Casteja family empire – one of the most powerful families in France.

Chateau Lynch-Moussas is honored to be on the 5th Growth of the Grand Cru Classe 1855, owned by Borie-Manoux.

Chateau Trotte Vieille is truly a jewel of the Casteja family empire – one of the most powerful families in France

The character of Merlot makes each bottle rich, powerful, yet smooth on the tongue, accessible even at a young age, yet offers great storage potential for boundless longevity. Meanwhile, the presence of Cabernet Franc adds structure and spice to the bottle.

The Hermitage “Les Bessards” is named after a sub-region of the Hermitage appellation, where the steeply terraced hillside vineyards have excellent southwestern exposure. Those vineyards

Chateau La Croix du Casse was bought by Sir Philippe Casteja in 2005, along with the Domaine de l’Eglise, representing Pomerol quality.

Located in the heart of the Pauillac region, Haut-Bages Monpelou was originally under the Rothschild family, then separated in 1950, and joined Casteja family in 1970.