The 2022 Saint-Émilion classification, a system revised approximately every ten years, caused significant controversy due to the departure of several major châteaux and changes to the classification criteria. The withdrawals of powerhouses like Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Angélus have reshaped the appellation's landscape, leaving many collectors to reassess the significance of the ranking. This guide delves into the key changes, the reasons behind the controversy, and the implications for the future of Saint-Émilion.

Highlights of the 2022 Saint-Émilion Classification

• A Classification in Flux: Unlike the static 1855 classification of the Médoc, the Saint-Émilion classification is revised approximately every ten years to reflect the evolving quality of its châteaux. The 2022 list, the seventh since 1955, included 85 estates.
• Shocking Departures: Three of the four top-tier Premiers Grands Crus Classés A from 2012—Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Angélus—withdrew from the classification process, citing dissatisfaction with the criteria.
• Reasons for Withdrawal: The departing châteaux expressed a belief that the classification's criteria had shifted away from the fundamental principles of terroir and wine quality, placing too much emphasis on "secondary elements" like marketing, social media presence, and wine tourism.
• The Rise of a Star: Château Figeac was the only estate elevated to the Premier Grand Cru Classé A tier, joining Château Pavie. This promotion was widely celebrated and long-awaited by many in the wine world.
• Criteria Controversy: The revised system, overseen by the INAO, gave a 50% weighting to blind tastings. However, other factors like reputation, marketing activities, and viticultural techniques still played a significant role, which was at the heart of the controversy.
• Impact on the Market: Despite their withdrawal, the market value and reputation of Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Angélus have remained strong, driven by their established brands and consistent critical acclaim.
• A New Landscape: The absence of the three major estates has created a new, dual landscape for Saint-Émilion, where the official classification coexists with a powerful, unclassified "top layer" of world-class wines.

A Classification in Flux

Unlike the static 1855 classification of the Médoc, the Saint-Émilion classification is re-evaluated periodically to reflect the evolving quality of its châteaux. This method is not without its challenges. The 2022 edition was the seventh since its inception in 1955, and it proved to be one of the most tumultuous. The list officially released in September 2022, featured 85 estates: two Premiers Grands Crus Classés A, 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés, and 71 Grands Crus Classés. This marked a shift from the 2012 ranking, which had four estates at the top "A" level.

The most notable changes were the promotions and demotions that came with the new ranking. After long being considered unfairly overlooked, Château Figeac was elevated to the top tier, Premier Grand Cru Classé A, joining Château Pavie. This promotion was widely anticipated and celebrated, acknowledging Figeac's consistent quality and strong reputation.

The Shocking Departures

The biggest story of the 2022 classification wasn't who was in, but who was out. Three of the four reigning Premier Grand Cru Classé A châteaux from 2012—Cheval Blanc, Ausone, and Angélus—all announced their withdrawal from the process. Their decisions, made sequentially in 2021 and 2022, sent shockwaves through the wine world and underscored deep-seated dissatisfaction with the system.

Each château had its own reasons, but a common thread emerged: a belief that the classification's criteria had strayed too far from the fundamentals of terroir and wine quality.

• Cheval Blanc & Ausone: These two historic properties were the first to pull out. They argued that the new evaluation system placed too much emphasis on "secondary elements" like social media presence, wine tourism, and marketing, rather than the intrinsic quality and history of the wines themselves. They felt the criteria did not adequately reflect their centuries-long commitment to their unique terroirs and winemaking traditions.
• Angélus: The departure of Angélus came after a protracted legal battle involving co-owner Hubert de Boüard, who was convicted of "unlawful bias" in the 2012 classification. Angélus cited this legal instability and the "antagonism" of the classification system as key reasons for its withdrawal. The château's decision, after it had already submitted its application, highlighted the profound crisis of confidence in the ranking's integrity.

The Controversy and Its Aftermath

The controversy surrounding the 2022 classification extends beyond the high-profile departures. The changes to the evaluation criteria were at the heart of the matter. The revised system, overseen by the French national appellation authority (INAO), stipulated a 50% weighting for blind tastings of multiple vintages. While this might seem positive, other factors like reputation, marketing activities, and viticultural techniques also played a significant role. For some producers, the balance was off, particularly at the highest levels of the classification.

The departures of the three top-tier châteaux have left a gaping hole in the classification. They are no longer permitted to display their classified status on their labels for new vintages, and the once-revered "Premier Grand Cru Classé A" category has been reduced from four to just two estates. This has raised questions about the credibility and relevance of the system itself. Can a classification truly represent the pinnacle of a region's wines if some of its most famous and highest-regarded estates are no longer a part of it?

For collectors, this new landscape presents a challenge and an opportunity. The value and reputation of Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Angélus are so well-established that their absence from the classification has had no discernible negative impact on their market performance. In fact, their prices have remained strong, driven by brand recognition and consistent critical acclaim. The market, it seems, has its own classification system.

The departures also open the door for a new generation of winemakers. The 2022 classification saw many new entrants and promotions, rewarding those who have invested heavily in their properties and winemaking. This "healthy rivalry," as some in the region describe it, could drive innovation and quality throughout the appellation.

A Collector's Perspective

The 2022 Saint-Émilion classification is more than just a list of names; it's a reflection of a region grappling with its identity. For collectors, the lesson is clear: while the official ranking remains a useful reference, it's no longer the sole arbiter of quality in Saint-Émilion. The true face of Saint-Émilion is now a dual one, with an official classification coexisting alongside a powerful, unclassified "top layer" of world-class estates.

When collecting, consider the following:

• Look beyond the label: Don't assume a classified status is the only sign of quality. Research individual châteaux, their history, and their critical reviews.
• Embrace the "unclassified" gems: The departed châteaux will continue to produce exceptional wines. Collectors should not hesitate to seek them out.
• Watch the rising stars: The new promotions, like Château Figeac's, are a testament to the hard work and quality of a new generation of vignerons.

The 2022 classification marks a pivotal moment in Saint-Émilion's history. It's a reminder that even in the most traditional of wine regions, change is inevitable. The market and savvy collectors are now the ultimate judges, guided by a new and ever-evolving understanding of what makes a great Saint-Émilion wine.

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