1961 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) [High Shoulder] RP98/LP98/VM97
1983 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) DR94
1988 Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, [Ex Chateau 2022 Release], Bottle (750ml)
1989 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml) RP100/VM100/WS100
1989 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, Grand Vin, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) [Top Shoulder] WS96
1994 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml)
1995 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP95
2000 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP97
2000 Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bottle (750ml) DR99/JS97
2001 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml) RP96
2002 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, Grand Vin, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) RP95
2005 Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bottle (750ml) RP98
2006 Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bottle (750ml) DR96/RP94
2008 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml) AG96+
2008 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Second Growth, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) AG96
2009 Chateau Montrose Second Growth, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP100/LP100
2010 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, Grand Vin, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) DR100/WE100/WS99
2010 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, Grand Vin, Saint-Julien, Case of 6 btls [Chateau Direct - Late Release 2023] DR100/WE100/WS99
2010 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) JD98/RP97
2010 Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP100/LP100
2012 Chateau Leoville-Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) RP95
2012 Chateau Palmer Third Growth, Troisieme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux, Bottle (750ml) JS97/RP96
2015 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) DR99/LP98/AG98
2016 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP100/VM100/JS100
2016 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP100/VM100/JS100
2016 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) JD100/JS99/DR99
2016 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Second Growth, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) RP100/LP100/JD100
2016 Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) AG100/RP100/JD100
2018 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) RP98+/JD98+
2018 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml) LP100/JD100
2018 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Case of 6 btls LP100/JD100
2018 Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) JD100/LP99
2018 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Second Growth, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) JD98+/VM97+
2019 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) JS99/AG98
2019 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml) JD100/RP99
2019 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Case of 6 btls JD100/AG99
2019 Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) LP100/AG100
2020 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml) JD99/JL99/DR99
2020 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) JD100/LP99/DR99
2020 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, Case of 6 btls JD100/LP99/DR99

Unveiling Bordeaux's "Super Seconds": Exceptional Estates Beyond the 1855 Classification

A "Super Second" is an informal title given to Bordeaux estates that consistently produce wines rivaling the esteemed First Growths in quality and aging potential but at a lower price point.

Super Second Bordeaux

You may have come across the term "Super Second Bordeaux" before, but what exactly does it mean? A "Super Second" is an informal title given by wine experts to distinguish Bordeaux estates that consistently outperform their original 1855 classification. These Chateaux can compete with the esteemed First Growths in terms of quality and aging potential while being much lighter on the pocketbook.

 

Super Second Vs. First Growth

If quality were the sole determinant for classifying these Chateaux, the current First Growth list would look significantly different. Like Classified First Growths, the majority of these Super Second Chateaux consistently score between 95-100 points (depending on the vintage), command higher prices than classified Second Growths, possess state-of-the-art facilities, and have a reputation for consistently producing world-class wines. However, unlike the classified First Growths, these Super Seconds offer much more value to collectors and connoisseurs in terms of price.

Potential for Promotion

These Super Seconds certainly deserve special consideration, and it wouldn't be out of the question for them to be promoted. These producers belong to an exclusive category, and apart from an unofficial designation and insider knowledge, there isn't any other way to differentiate them. The list of Super Second Chateaux remains fairly consistent, although slight variations may occur depending on who you ask. The deserving candidates for the Super Second title are:

 

Chateau La Mission Haut Brion

Chateau Leoville Las Cases

Chateau Pichon Lalande

Chateau Montrose

Chateau Cos d'Estournel

Chateau Pichon Baron

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou

Chateau Palmer - 3rd Growth

Chateau Lynch-Bages - 5th Growth

 

You might wonder why these exceptional Chateaux haven't been promoted if they consistently match the standards set by the First Growths. This is because the original 1855 Classification of Bordeaux has undergone only three amendments since its inception. The most significant change was in 1973 when Chateau Mouton Rothschild was promoted to First Growth, which came after years of influential lobbying by Philippe de Rothschild. Many collectors and connoisseurs argue that it's time for a re-evaluation of the 1855 classification. If that were to happen, it's highly likely that these "Super Seconds" would ascend in rank.

Notable "Super Second" Contenders

There are a few Chateaux that some might consider as Super Seconds, but we believe they fall just outside the unofficial designation. They are:

Chateau Leoville Poyferre

Château Leoville-Barton

Chateau Pontet Canet - 5th Growth

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

It's worth noting that Pontet Canet, a classified Fifth Growth, has recently outperformed its previous classification and is generally regarded as one of Bordeaux's preeminent estates.

Classification Complexity

The topic of Bordeaux classification may seem complex, particularly when considering the 1855 classification and the question “is it outdated?” However, if we view the classification as a whole, it remains quite accurate. Considering the age of the document and the changes in winemaking practices over time, the results are remarkably consistent. While the 1855 classification is not flawless, it represents the initial attempt to rank Bordeaux Chateaux by importance and is not far from where these estates stand today.

Quality and Value

Fortunately, fellow collectors and connoisseurs have taken matters into their own hands and established the unofficial designation of "Super Seconds." Although unofficial, this term helps identify producers that have elevated the quality of their wines and have surpassed their original 1855 classification. In essence, the Chateaux that earn the title of Super Second may vary depending on who you ask. Most of these wines rival the First Growths in terms of quality and occasionally outperform them. They possess similar aging capabilities while offering a more affordable price point. When you consider all these factors, you have wines that not only over-deliver when consumed but also provide collectors with excellent investment opportunity. It's time to add some of these Super Seconds to your cellar and enjoy their prestige!

Back to Top ↑

Recently viewed