France · Wine Region
Pauillac – The Capital of Cabernet
Pauillac is the undisputed capital of Cabernet Sauvignon, home to three of Bordeaux’s five First Growths: Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, and Latour. This Haut-Médoc commune produces some of the world’s most structured, long-lived, and collectible red wines.
History & Heritage
Pauillac’s pre-eminence was cemented by the 1855 Classification, which awarded it three of the five First Growths—more than any other commune. Mouton’s elevation from Second to First Growth in 1973 remains the only change to the classification in its 170-year history. The commune’s 18 classified growths represent the densest concentration of classified châteaux in the Médoc.
Terroir & Vineyards
Pauillac’s defining feature is its two gravel plateaux, rising to 30 metres above the Gironde estuary. Deep beds of Günzian gravel over limestone and clay provide perfect drainage and heat retention for Cabernet Sauvignon. Lafite occupies the northern plateau, Latour the southern one near the Saint-Julien border, and Mouton sits between them. The gravel depth and proportion of fine vs. coarse stones vary, creating the subtle differences between estates.
Wine Style
Pauillac is Cabernet Sauvignon at its most majestic: blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and cigar box, framed by firm tannins and built for decades of cellaring. The best vintages need 15–30+ years to reach their zenith. The appellation’s style sits between the softness of neighbouring Saint-Julien and the austerity of Saint-Estèphe, combining power with classical proportion.
Available Wines
No wines from this region are currently listed on House Wine.
Be the first to list your bottles from this region. Sign up free and add your wines in minutes.
List your wines free