Bordeaux 2005: Big Classed Growths Finally Here

This week started with a sudden flurry of offerings of some of the big names in Bordeaux. After weeks of suspense and growing acrimony in the trade, media, and among consumers, for the delay and the high prices, the aristocratic chateaux have finally shown their hands.

Lynch-Bages, Leoville-Barton, Montrose, Pichon-Baron, Pichon-Lalande, Rauzan-Segla, Palmer, Grand Puy Lacoste, and L'Evangile have released their prices. To no surprise, they are all record highs; it's only a question of how shockingly high. In that regard, Palmer is the hands-down winner as its opening price is nearly $250 a bottle. Trailing closely is L'Evangile at almost $200 a bottle.

But I would say the surprise shocker of all is Pape-Clement, the Graves producer, with a price of nearly $150 a bottle, more than triple the 2000 price and over twice its 2004 offering!