Bordeaux "Super Second" Wines

Explore your passion with some of the wine industry’s best kept secrets, and experience the best the world has to offer at great value.

Classified Second, Performing First

"In recent years, the quality of several second-growths has improved to the point that they can now challenge the first-growths in every way but price." (Wine Spectator)
The 1855 Classification of Bordeaux created an organized record of the quality and diversification of Bordeaux wines. Although respected to this day by wine lovers the world over, many believe that wines from certain crus outperform their peers in a modern context.
Enter "Super Second" Bordeaux, a collection of second growths widely regarded as similar in quality to the illustrious grand crus. These wines are often more expensive than other second crus but boast a strong value proposition compared to the top growth labels.

2009: 97 pts.

2010: 99 pts.

Ripe and powerful, with racy tannins and acidity for balance. More structure-driven than the opulent 2009, with better definition of fruit; should be very long-lived.

2015: 94 pts.

Extremely dry season saved by rain at veraison led to an even crop of ripe and lush reds. Later rains hampered some parts of the upper Médoc. Margaux is truly special, St. Julien was superb.

2016: 97 pts.

A year of extremes, with a very rainy spring backed by a very dry summer. Cabernet relished the drought, yielding reds that are ripe and tannic, but also racy, fresh and full of aromas; yields normal to above normal. Upper Médoc superb, with St.-Estèphe, Pauillac and St.-Julien the epicenter of quality.

* Per Wine Spectator

1. One Sole Classification Change

Although the 1855 Classification was a historic moment in the world of wine, the list is quite rigid and seldomly updated. In fact, the only wine to be upgraded throughout the classification is the promotion of Chateau Mouton Rothschild from second to first growth status in 1973. Many of the wines categorized as "Super Second" wines would potentially see first growth promotion in the event of an updated classification.
2. Strong Investment Potential

These Super Second wines are heralded for their age-worthiness. In ideal vintages, these Super Second wines have the capability to age for decades, similar to their first growth counterparts. Since they can also be purchased at a more affordable price point than a first growth, diversifying your cellar with multiple Bordeaux Super Seconds is easy to achieve as well as a smart way to invest.