2019 Château Pédesclaux, Pauillac, Bordeaux

One of Pauillac’s less well-known estates, Ch. Pédesclaux is well situated in front of Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet. The property’s history dates back to the early 19th century when Urbain Pédesclaux – a renowned trader on the Bordeaux marketplace – acquired some vineyards put up for sale following the Revolution and established the estate in 1810. Symbolising the bourgeoisie’s arrival in the Médoc (previously under aristocratic rule), Urbain Pierre Pédesclaux set about building the estate’s reputation. When the wines of the region were classified in 1855, Ch. Pédesclaux was granted the title of Fifth Growth. The estate was acquired by Françoise and Jacky Lorenzetti in 2009. Over the next few years they purchased new parcels, almost doubling the property’s footprint from 26 to 50 hectares. The vineyards underwent significant work with soil studies and replanting, and in 2014, Ch. Pédesclaux opened a new chapter, its vineyards fully restructured and an impressive new gravity-fed winery and cellaring facilities.

The aristocrat of the Médoc boasts 75 percent of the region’s First Growths, with Grand Cru Classés representing 84 percent of production. Pauillac's First Growths each have their own unique characteristics: Ch. Lafite Rothschild produces the region’s most aromatically-complex and subtly-flavoured wine, while – with its high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon – Ch. Mouton Rothschild can produce a decadently rich, fleshy and exotic wine.