Looking for an inexpensive wine? Maybe 'fifth growth"?

Here's a bit of divergence.

While reading an article in a recent issue of Wine Spectator I came across the term 'fifth growth'. It was new to me so I hunted around the internet and found how Napolean III rated Bordeaux's about 150 years ago. Fifth growth refers to the lowest quality of Bordeaux. Obviously first growth, Château Mouton Rothschild, is among the best.


The article, about Chateau Lynch-Bages, a classic Pauillac (check the map) estate is a fifth growth. It's wines are well regarded and often obtain very high ratings. High enough to command an auction price of a 1961 vintage of more than 1,900 a bottle.

Although dollar value in not always a predictor of quality wines it is nice to be appreciated.