Best First Growth?

I'm sure this poll's been done before, aber who in YHO, is the best 1855 Premiers Grands Cru Classes?

[Robin Garr]

I'm sure this poll's been done before, aber who in YHO, is the best 1855 Premiers Grands Cru Classes?

Errr, where is Haut-Brion?

Errr, where is Haut-Brion?

In a class by itself!

Well, the class by itself gets my vote. Earth rocks and HB has spadefuls of it.

I'll put myhands up and admit have not drunk enough of them to judge

[James Roscoe]

Lafitte is the only one I've come close too (I smelled the dregs of an empty bottle). It had the most dilightful aroma of any wine I've been near. Now I admit I am throwing off the results of this poll which doesn't include HB.

If I have not tasted them can I still vote?

I would have to vote Haut Brion for character and interest and Margaux for elegance.
Walt

Indeed, no HB option

Sadly, I can't vote as I haven't been fortunate enough to try them!

There is no best.

There is only your favorite. And my favorite changes. Often. Depends a lot on mood, occasion, food, company, and vintage available

More often than not, though, my favorite would be Haut-Brion.

Not that I drink any of them like I used to, mind you. Now they are occasional. And not very occasional.

I've only tasted two first growths and both were utterly (though not unexpectedly) oxidised. They were 1960 vintage and a friend bought them for his 40th birthday.

So still haven't a clue!

I've had the following:
'67 Haut Brion - $10 (1977)
'67 Lafite - $10 (1977)
After drinking the above, my wife and I fell in love with the Lafite, so we purchased a case of the '75 Lafite (year of our wedding) - $30 (1978) and have opened 1 bottle every 5 years - great stuff. As my wife passed away in '04, the last bottle I opened was shared with my sons, in her memory. They all were amazed by the wine.

Not enough? How about none, ever?

I thought I put HB in there before I hit Submit. I've been having conection problems. Damn sprint card. Sorry. Is there any way to edit?
-Bill

Latour is a clear best with Lafite, Haut Brion and Margaux clustered behind, nipping at its heels.

IMNSHO, Mouton does not deserve 1st growth status - a 1.5 growth, if you will. In many years it is bettered by higher level 2nd growths, Las Cases in particular.

[Robin Garr]

I thought I put HB in there before I hit Submit. I've been having conection problems. Damn sprint card. Sorry. Is there any way to edit?

I can probably edit it for you, Bill. I'll give it a try.

Thanks Robin!

<nitpickingmode>

Mouton ist not an "1855 Premier Grand Cru Classé".

</nitpickingmode>

Well spotted, Michael.

The question of whether it should be today is another interesting discussion.

That's why one should refer to "left bank Premiers Grand Crus Classés reds", because one always tends to forget that to the four reds from 1855 come one "Premier Cru Supérieur" (Yquem) and 9 other "1855 Premiers Grands Crus Classés" in white (today 11).