Two good queries in response to my last post, so I thought I would write a bit more on Saint Emilion.
Firstly, sorry if you can't go through to the Wine Spec article, should have thought about it being subscription only. I did pick out the first paragraph, which I thought gave a neat explanation of what happened, but let me elaborate...
Basically, the 2006 version of the classification (which is redone every 10 years and has been since the 1950s) was called into question by four properties who had been demoted. The case has since been in and out of court, first with the classification being suspended, and then with it being reinstituted while the investigations continued. Last week's decision to formally annul the ranking, though, is supposedly final (although Saint Emilion has two months in order to appeal).
It is very confusing for everyone, but as it stands today, all mentions of Grand Cru Classe (NOT Grand Cru) must be taken off the labels. As most properties are now bottling their 2006s, they must decide whether to comply or not immediately, or risk a fine and wait until next year to remove the mention.
What happens now is anyone's guess... but I definitely wouldn't want to be one of the four chateau owners going out for their morning paper in St Emilion village.
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