The files submitted a year ago for the Saint Emilion classification were finished being analyzed by experts at the Bordeaux branch of National Institute of Origin and quality. It is a daunting task when you consider that there are many of them, some with over 1000 pages. The tastings were conducted under the supervision of Bureau Veritas.

The process is now accelerating, and the abandoned castles are getting the bad news via mail. It doesn't matter if they are Grand Crus Class (second level) or 1ers Grands Crus Class (1st). In both cases, a minimum score is required of 14/20 and 16/20 respectively. The Classification Commission offers a "remedial oral exam" for winegrowers. This is available at the end June.

Those who don't get any mail can rejoice, they've been retained. You can either access the ranking, even if they weren't there, or you can stay at the same level as them. The current ranking is valid for ten years and has 82 names. There were 96 applicants at the time. There have been improvements made to the castles and the hope of integrating a popular classification that pulls the AOC up, should mean more applications. Three properties are at the top in terms of malcontents that chose not to compete this season, namely Angelus, Ausone, and Cheval Blanc.

Parallel to this selection procedure, a legal component related to the 2012 ranking is also in progress. Castles that were not selected and then repeatedly rejected - the last proceeding dating back to February before the administrative court of appel of Bordeaux - could be referred again to the Council of State.