One Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel decides to forgo the 2025 classification

ne of the recurring questions at this year’s 2023 En Primeur tastings was, ‘Have you renewed your application for the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc 2025 classification’? In the case of Château Lilian Ladouys (Vignobles Cruze-Lorenzetti), the answer is no. Despite being classified Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in the 2020 classification (from the 2018 vintage onwards), the Saint-Estèphe property was actually disappointed by the results of this prestigious distinction, ranking among just 14 out of 250 Crus Bourgeois. “Unfortunately, the new classification occurred pre-Covid, which rendered all our efforts completely ineffective. We were disappointed by the low impact of the new classification. It was great recognition for us, but was not confirmed in the marketplace”, sums up Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen, managing director of the 75-hectare chateau which completes its transition to organic this year.

Considering the energy and funding required to take part in the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois events, the property “is leaving the Crus Bourgeois with no bitterness. We are very grateful for the progress made”, adds Bache-Gabrielsen. He reveals that being listed 72 out of the Wine Spectator’s top 100 wines in 2014 sparked more curiosity and appeal than the classification – the United States now represent 20% of the chateau’s sales. As the first property purchased by the Lorenzetti family fifteen years ago, Château Lilian Ladouys will be leveraging the benefits of being part of the Cruze-Lorenzetti range, which features Châteaux Issan, Pédesclaux and Lafon-Rochet, three 1855-classified Grands Crus Classés in Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe.

The Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc is currently working on the next five-year classification for 2025. Its chairman Franck Bijon recently stated that “applications for 20% of vineyard acreage have not been renewed, which is much better than the drop we were fearing”.