Saint-Emilion wines were first classified in 1959 and back then rankings were scheduled to be revised every 10 years. In fact revision only took place in 1969, 1985, 1996 and again in 2006.
This last revision was hotly opposed and finally annulled by a ruling of the State Council on 23 December 2011. Today, the statutory body “the wise ones” have authorised members of the two classifications to stay as they are until a new ranking process which they say must take place in Autumn 2012.
A classification is non-contestable and depends upon certain criteria being met. The L’INAO (Institut National des Appelations d’Origine) decides the ranking to be awarded.
The commission, composed solely of wine experts from the Bordeaux region, have to judge all the wines presented. Several criteria help them decide what points to give, each based on defined percentages which differ according to which classification the wine comes under:
To earn a Grand Cru marks are given for: 
- 50% for blind tasting of the last 10 vintages
- 20% for soil
- 20% for reputation
- 10% after a visit to the property
To be awarded the prized status, 14/20 points must be awarded.
To earn an even more prestigious Premier Grand Cru points are awarded on :
- 30% for blind tasting of 15 vintages
- 30% for the soil
- 35% for reputation
- 5% after a visit to the property
Classification is awarded on 16/20 points.
There are 15 Premiers Grands Crus and 46 Grands Crus, representing a total 61 vineyards.
When the next ranking takes place in 2012, there will be 96 candidates in the line-up, of which 30 are looking for a Premier Grand Cru classification.
The wine-tastings have already started and will be staged over several months. For some there’ll be a happy ending for others perhaps disappointment.
Whatever the outcome Wine Tour Booking will keep you informed – and we’re betting there’ll be no disputes this time!
