The MICHELIN Guide chose the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux to unveil its very first 2026 MICHELIN grapes selection dedicated to Bordeaux. This second chapter for the MICHELIN grapes highlights a landmark region in viniculture whose reputation has endured through the centuries: Bordeaux has established itself over the centuries as a historic force in the world of wine. Its prestigious estates and reputation extend far beyond France’s borders. A land of excellence and innovation, Bordeaux combines tradition with international influence.
This first selection covers a great majority of the region’s most emblematic appellations, spanning the Left Bank (Médoc, Pessac-Léognan), the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol), and the Sauternes region (Sauternes, Barsac). The inaugural ranking recognizes 9 châteaux awarded 3 grapes, 16 awarded 2 grapes, 37 awarded 1 grape, and 21 additional selected châteaux.
This selection is intended to grow year after year, reflecting the ongoing work carried out in the field by the MICHELIN Guide inspection teams.
9 châteaux receive 3 MICHELIN grapes in this inaugural Bordeaux selection
Reserved for exceptional estates, the 3 MICHELIN grapes distinction crowns nine Bordeaux châteaux this year.
Médoc
On the Left Bank, three names stand out: Château Léoville-Las-Cases in Saint-Julien, Château Lafite-Rothschild in Pauillac, and Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe.
Few Médoc estates can rival the Premier Crus. At the southern tip of Saint-Julien, next to Château Latour, Léoville-Las-Cases draws its identity from its celebrated Clos: 50 hectares of deep gravel soils, enclosed by walls and bordering the Gironde estuary, whose influence can be sensed in the glass. Cabernet Sauvignon plays an essential role here. At the helm of the estate, Jean-Hubert Delon has recently been joined by his son Arnaud to craft wines of natural authority, restrained power, and exceptional aging potential. They demand patience, even from the most eager lovers of great Bordeaux, but they invariably reward it.
On the deep gravel soils of Pauillac, Château Lafite-Rothschild perpetuates one of the finest expressions of Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon. Across its 110 hectares, the estate began converting to organic farming in 2021, taking its commitment a step further with biodynamic trials. Here, deep gravel soils interwoven with clay give the wine almost unrivaled power and depth: a hallmark of a strong, unmistakable identity. In recent years, Saskia de Rothschild has brought a new dynamism to the estate: the wines have gained in precision, finesse and approachability, without ever compromising their grandeur, for a cru as vibrant as ever.
On a gravelly rise overlooking the Gironde estuary in Saint-Estèphe, Château Montrose produces one of the Médoc's most impressive styles. A Second Grand Cru Classé under the 1855 Classification, the estate enjoys a temperate microclimate thanks to the proximity of the river, while its deep gravel soils naturally favor Cabernet Sauvignon, the leading variety in its blends. From this combination come wines of remarkable density: powerful structure, tightly knit tannins, exquisite depth, and exceptional aging potential have earned them a solid reputation. Under the stewardship of Pierre Graffeuille and Vincent Decup, Château Montrose has combined ambitious investment with a resolute commitment to the environment, gaining in precision and refinement without sacrificing any of its power. A wine of character, built to last for decades.
Pomerol
Three Pomerol estates are featured in this ranking: Petrus, Château La Conseillante, and Château Lafleur.
Few estates in Bordeaux sit on a vein of blue clay, and this terroir makes full use of it. The vineyard of Petrus is made up of 11 hectares on the Pomerol plateau, an extraordinary geological anomaly whose contours alone define the identity of the estate. It produces a Merlot utterly faithful to its terroir, it is described as supple, elegantly dense, precise and remarkably age-worthy. The Berrouet family has preserved this fidelity from one generation to the next. Olivier, succeeding his father Jean-Claude, brings an almost instinctive understanding of what these soils demand, allowing Pétrus to shine among the great wines of Bordeaux.
Nestled in the heart of the Pomerol plateau, on the edge of Saint-Émilion and surrounded by outstanding neighbors including Pétrus, L'Évangile and Cheval Blanc, La Conseillante has cultivated a reputation for rare elegance for more than a century. Owned by the Nicolas family since 1871, the estate covers some 12 hectares where Merlot flourishes on a terroir of clay and gravel, supported by exceptionally fine Cabernet Franc. Instantly recognizable by its signature mauve label, La Conseillante produces wines with a floral violet bouquet and a silky texture. Under the attentive direction of Marielle Cazaux, the wine has gained in precision with each vintage while remaining true to its signature: a Pomerol of charm, dazzling in its purity and finesse.
Vin de France
On just over four hectares of the Pomerol plateau, Château Lafleur cultivates a singularity that makes it one of the most sought-after – and rarest – estates in all of Bordeaux. In an exceptional departure from the appellation, Cabernet Franc, locally known as Bouchet, expresses itself forcefully here on a terroir of gravel and clay studded with iron-rich deposits. From this encounter comes a wine of inimitable aromatic power: floral, spicy and mineral, with crystalline precision and a depth that defies time. At Château Lafleur, the Guinaudeau family carries on a pursuit of excellence from generation to generation. Jacques and Sylvie, now joined by their son Baptiste and his wife Julie, produce age-worthy wines of rare intensity, whose precision and complexity rival those of the world's greatest benchmarks.
Saint-Émilion
The Right Bank also features two essential figures from Saint-Émilion: Château Cheval Blanc and Château-Figeac.
At the borders of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, Château Cheval Blanc occupies a singular place in the Bordeaux pantheon. Its secret lies first in a mosaic of soils – gravel, clay and sand – and in a grape mix in which the predominance of Cabernet Franc on gravel gives its wines an inimitable aromatic signature. From this meeting comes a style of synthesis: the velvety generosity of Pomerol and the aristocratic structure of Saint-Émilion are brought together in a wine of sovereign elegance, at once opulent and supremely precise. Benefiting from an exceptional contemporary winery and increasingly attentive viticulture that combines agroforestry with agricultural self-sufficiency, Cheval Blanc directed by Pierre-Olivier Clouet, continues a reputation forged through legendary vintages in which power is never conceived without grace.
On the Right Bank, Château-Figeac is an estate apart. Its three rises of deep gravel not clear on the phrase, a geological legacy one might imagine borrowed from the Médoc, give it a character unique in the Saint-Émilion landscape. Château-Figeac draws a powerful identity from its distinctive grape mix where Cabernet Sauvignon (more commonly associated with the Médoc and rare in this part of Bordeaux) joins Cabernet Franc and Merlot to form an uncommon Bordeaux trio on the Right Bank.
Owned by the Manoncourt family for several generations, the estate, under the leadership of Frédéric Faye, has undergone both a stylistic and architectural evolution: now a new, functional and intelligent winery promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2022. Faithful to its identity, its grape varieties and its terroir, this cru has gained in precision and purity over the years, the promise of a future worthy of its soil.
Sauternais
The Sauternais region completes this selection with Château d’Yquem, the ultimate benchmark for first-rate sweet wines.
Perched on its gravel and clay soils in the heart of Sauternes, Château d’Yquem occupies a truly singular position: that of Premier Cru Supérieur, a distinction awarded solely to Yquem in the 1855 Classification. Here, the miracle lies in the encounter between Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc and noble rot, or botrytis, which concentrates the grapes one by one. The harvest, legendary in its exacting standards, is carried out through successive passes, berry by berry, at the cost of minuscule yields, the equivalent of one glass of wine per vine. From this patience comes a nectar of unmatched richness: a golden hue, aromas of candied fruit, honey, apricot and saffron, carried by a freshness that defies decades, even centuries. Far more than a sweet wine, Château d’Yquem is a monument – one of the purest expressions of Bordeaux's winemaking genius.
16 châteaux receive 2 MICHELIN grapes
In Pauillac, four emblematic estates are featured in the selection. Château Mouton Rothschild, a Premier Grand Cru Classé, is recognized worldwide for the quality of its wines and its renowned artist-designed labels. Château Pichon Comtesse and Château Pichon Baron, historic neighbors, rank among the appellation’s most iconic names, while Château Pontet-Canet has established itself in recent years as one of the Médoc’s most dynamic estates.
Next to Mouton Rothschild, on the great gravel soils of Pauillac, Château Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the Médoc's boldest and most admired crus. Fifth Grand Cru Classé under the 1855 Classification, the estate broke with convention by becoming one of the first classified grand crus to fully embrace biodynamics: horse-drawn plowing, natural preparations, and the aging of some of its wines in terracotta amphorae made with clay from the property itself. On its gravel soils, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates blends of striking purity and energy. Under the guidance of the Tesseron family, with the help of Mathieu Bessonnet, Pontet-Canet produces deep, precise and vibrant wines that far exceed their classification and now rival the most illustrious names. A pioneering cru with a singular soul.
South of Pauillac, facing Château Latour, Château Pichon Baron asserts the silhouette of its château with majestic turrets, one of the Médoc's most spectacular architectural landmarks. Second Grand Cru Classé under the 1855 Classification, the estate rests on superb deep gravel soils near the estuary, where Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes with authority. From this exceptional terroir come wines with a resolutely Pauillac style: powerful structure, fine-grained tannins, density and depth combined with remarkable aging potential. Under the direction of Christian Seely, the cru has continued to gain in precision and consistency, as well as in mid-palate length, confirming its place among the Médoc's greatest Second Grand Crus. A Pauillac of great distinction, noble and timeless.
In Margaux, two emblematic estates are featured in the selection. Château Margaux, a Premier Grand Cru Classé, remains one of the absolute benchmarks of the Bordeaux vineyard. Alongside it, Château Palmer ranks among Margaux’s most iconic estates.
On the gravel soils of Margaux, Château Palmer occupies a singular position, thanks first to a grape mix that is atypical for the Left Bank. Merlot is planted in almost equal proportion to Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing the wines a velvety texture and rare expressiveness. Moreover, the estate makes a pioneering commitment: now converted to biodynamics, it cultivates a natural balance that shines through in the purity of its wines. The inimitable Palmer style marries the floral, silky perfume of Margaux with exceptional depth and aging potential. Under the direction of Thomas Duroux, the cru produces wines of ever-greater sensuality and precision.
Among the estates selected in Saint-Émilion, Château Troplong Mondot stands out as one of the appellation’s leading references thanks to its privileged location on the limestone plateau, while Château Canon is distinguished by its elegance and consistency. Two emblematic estates complete this selection: Château Ausone and Château Angélus, whose respective trajectories each illustrate excellence on the Right Bank.
Perched on the limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion at the edge of the village, Château Ausone ranks among the rarest and most sought-after crus in all of Bordeaux. On barely seven hectares of steep slopes, this estate, named after the Roman poet Ausonius, draws from a terroir of limestone and clay where the cellars are carved directly into the rock, a signature of remarkable minerality and precision. Cabernet Franc and Merlot express themselves beautifully here, producing wines of aristocratic finesse and almost limitless aging potential. With absolute discipline, the Vauthier family produces finely etched, deep and timeless wines that stand at the summit of Bordeaux's hierarchy. A discreet jewel, carved from stone.
Nestled in the amphitheater of slopes descending from the Saint-Émilion plateau, Château Angélus takes its name from the ringing of the Angelus bells from the neighboring churches, a sound that carries even into its vineyards. On its south-facing soils of limestone, clay and sand, the estate cultivates Cabernet Franc with passion, elevating it to a signature variety alongside Merlot. From this alliance come wines of opulent generosity and remarkable refinement: expressive bouquet, velvety texture, deep structure and exceptional aging potential. Guided by the de Boüard de Laforest and Grenier families, Château Angélus combines heritage and modernity to produce one of the Right Bank's most seductive and emblematic contemporary expressions. A Grand Cru with a universal appeal.
At the heart of the Pomerol plateau, just steps from Pétrus, Vieux Château Certan ranks among the oldest and noblest estates of the appellation. On some 15 hectares of clay, gravel and sand, the cru cultivates an unusual grape mix for Pomerol: dominant Merlot is joined by a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc and – rare on this terroir – Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing distinctive freshness and structure. From this balance comes a style of aristocratic elegance, all perfume, finesse and depth, often hailed as the most refined expression of Pomerol. Owned by the Thienpont family since 1924, and now led by Guillaume alongside his father Alexandre, VCC produces finely etched, harmonious wines built for aging. A great Pomerol, full of charm and pedigree.
In Pessac-Léognan, three emblematic estates are featured in the selection: Château Haut-Brion, a Premier Cru Classé and historic Bordeaux reference; Château La Mission Haut-Brion, recognized for the depth and consistency of its wines; and Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, which has distinguished itself in recent years through a particularly distinctive approach.
An enclave of greenery within the city of Bordeaux itself, just beside Haut-Brion, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion has established itself in just a few years as one of the most fascinating estates in Pessac-Léognan. On its gravel and clay soils, the estate cultivates a rare signature: a prominent role for Cabernet Franc alongside Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Under the guidance of Guillaume Pouthier, whole-cluster vinification – the use of entire bunches, in the style of the great wines of the Rhône – gives the wines remarkable aromatic freshness, floral and peppery notes, and a strikingly distinctive silky texture. Housed in a spectacular winery designed by Philippe Starck, this cru is owned by businessman Patrice Pichet and his family. It takes on a steep upward trajectory, producing precise, vibrant and resolutely modern wines without ever abandoning Bordeaux elegance. A rising star, free-spirited and inspired.
At the foot of the ruins of its medieval château in Sauternes, Château de Fargues perpetuates an exceptional tradition upheld by the de Lur-Saluces family, long-time guardians of legendary Yquem. Though absent from the 1855 Classification, the estate has risen to rank among the appellation's greatest sweet wines through the sheer force of its exacting standards. On its gravel and clay soils, Sémillon and Sauvignon succumb to noble rot, harvested berry by berry through successive passes and at the cost of minuscule yields. From this patience comes a wine of aristocratic richness: a golden hue, aromas of candied fruit, honey and spice, carried by a freshness that defies time. A Sauternes crafted with the precision of a master goldsmith, in the noblest spirit.
37 châteaux receive 1 MICHELIN grape
The 1 MICHELIN Grape distinction brings together 37 châteaux this year, highlighting the full richness of the Bordeaux vineyard, far beyond its most renowned names. Saint-Émilion is the most represented appellation, with around ten estates receiving the distinction, including Château Canon La Gaffelière, Château Belair-Monange, and La Mondotte, recognized for the quality and consistency of their wines.
Pomerol also confirms its status as an exceptional terroir, with estates such as Château L’Évangile, Château Trotanoy, and the highly sought-after Château Le Pin, whose limited production contributes to their worldwide reputation.
In the Médoc, several major appellations stand out. In Saint-Julien, Château Léoville Barton and Château Branaire-Ducru embody the appellation’s classic elegance. In Pauillac, Château Lynch-Bages and Château Clerc Milon represent the powerful and structured style of this terroir. In Margaux, Château Rauzan-Ségla and Château Giscours offer appealing finesse, while in Saint-Estèphe, Château Cos d’Estournel and Château Calon Ségur confirm the appellation’s growing momentum.
Pessac-Léognan stands out for its remarkable consistency with four estates receiving the distinction, including Château Haut-Bailly and Château Smith Haut Lafitte, two major references on the Left Bank.
Rounding out the distinction, Sauternes and Barsac highlight the full grandeur of Bordeaux’s sweet wines through legendary estates such as Château Rieussec, Château Suduiraut, and Château Coutet, which continue to uphold a unique savoir-faire recognized worldwide.
21 châteaux selected as part of the MICHELIN Guide selection
Alongside these distinctions, the selection also highlights 21 châteaux that reflect the richness and diversity of the Bordeaux vineyard. The Médoc occupies an important place, spanning Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Julien, alongside Saint-Émilion and Pomerol on the Right Bank, while Sauternes completes this panorama with several notable estates.
Discover the full selection here
About MICHELIN grape
Through this distinction, The MICHELIN Guide aims to highlight unique stories and savoir-faire passed down from generation to generation, alongside innovative approaches and contemporary practices, all evaluated according to a rigorous and independent methodology. A new trusted benchmark for wine enthusiasts, the distinction is structured across three levels: 1, 2, and 3 MICHELIN grapes, complemented by a selection of selected estates.
These selections are based on the expertise of dedicated wine inspectors, all professionals employed by the Michelin Group. The international team, which formulates its recommendations collectively and with complete independence, brings together experienced wine specialists and new inspectors specifically recruited for this initiative. Each member is selected not only for their qualifications, but also for their ability to evaluate wine estates around the world with rigor, independence, and integrity. These specialized professionals of the sector – former sommeliers, specialized critics, and production experts – bring their extensive, hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the wine world.
Guided by fundamental values of excellence and independence, The MICHELIN Guide applies five criteria uniformly across the world for this new distinction: the quality of agronomy, technical mastery, identity, balance, and consistency.
3 grapes: exceptional producers whose wines can be approached with complete confidence, regardless of the vintage.
2 grapes: outstanding producers defined by remarkable quality and consistency within their terroir.
1 grape: high-quality producers crafting wines of character and style, particularly successful in the best vintages.
Selected: trusted producers chosen for their consistency and quality that wine lovers can count on for a high-quality experience.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health. Drink responsibly.
About Michelin
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.
Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.
The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.
Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.