When I was discussing the Classifications of the Medoc, I attempted to show how one go down a rung or more in the ladder of each Commune and find an excellent wine.  Now I am going to discuss what is known as a “Second Label” from the same winery.   Some wineries are very particular about their product and will not tarnish their marquis by trying to make a few more dollars.   There can be younger vines where the fruit is not as complex at maturity that one could hope for, or there could be barrels where when the wine is tasted during interim steps does not have the same feel or sense compared to its brethren barrels.  This does not mean that the wine is inferior, but that it does not have the common family trait that the vintner is looking for.  Hence a “Second Label” is created from the same winery and a tremendous bang for your buck, if and when you can find these bottles.

Here are some examples:

Chateau Latour

Chateau Lafitte-Rothschild

Chateau Palmer

Opus One