The First Growths of Bordeaux represent the absolute pinnacle of the wine world, consisting of just five estates—Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Haut-Brion (classified in 1855), plus Château Mouton Rothschild (elevated from Second Growth in 1973)—that have maintained their legendary status for over 150 years through consistent production of the world's most coveted and collectible wines. These estates, located across the Left Bank appellations of Pauillac, Margaux, and Pessac-Léognan (Graves), each express distinct terroir characteristics: Lafite's elegance and finesse, Latour's power and structure, Margaux's perfume and grace, Haut-Brion's earthy complexity, and Mouton's opulent richness, yet all share the ability to age gracefully for decades while commanding prices that often exceed $500-1,000+ per bottle. The 1855 Classification that established four of these First Growths was based on market prices over the previous century, proving remarkably prescient as these châteaux continue to set global benchmarks for quality, prestige, and investment value in fine wine. Beyond their individual excellence, the First Growths serve as the ultimate expression of Bordeaux's blending artistry, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and other varieties in proportions that vary by vintage to create wines of extraordinary complexity, longevity, and consistent greatness that define what the world expects from truly exceptional wine.