(pouy-YACK) The Big Three

Home to three premier cru (first growth) chateaux, Pauillac is a leader in quality Bordeaux. Chateaux Latour, Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild are situated within the Pauillac appellation. Sandwiched between St.-Estèphe and St.-Julien, Pauillac wines are big - known for their combination of elegance and structure.

Notable Facts

The gravel-based soils of Pauillac are key in creating the wines produced there. Like most of Bordeaux's left bank, Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading grape. Some typical descriptions of wine from Pauillac include: concentrated, full-bodied, dark black fruit, firm tannins, ability to mature. Not all of the Pauillac wines are top price collectibles that you can only find at auctions. The fifth growths like Chateau Lynch-Bages and Cru Bourgeois such as Chateau Pibran, are more affordable and drinkable earlier.