Bordeaux's old boys' club reputation is changing:
- Philippine de Rothschild: Modernized Mouton while respecting tradition
- Denise Lurton: Transformed Château Climens into biodynamic leader
- Jane Anson: British wine writer reshaping how Bordeaux tells its story
- The Alliance des Crus Bourgeois: Now headed by a woman for the first time
Cultural Diversity
Bordeaux's prosperity attracted global talent:
- Chinese investors saved struggling properties post-2008
- The Lurton family of Spanish origin owns properties across Bordeaux
- Japanese ownership at Château Lagrange brought meticulous attention to detail
- Lebanese families like the Cuvelier family at Château Léoville-Poyferré
The Garage Movement
In the 1990s, rebels in garages (literally) challenged the establishment:
- Small production, new oak, late harvesting
- Showed that great wine could come from anywhere
- Prices rivaled classified growths
- Movement leaders now establishment themselves
- Legacy: Focus on lower yields, riper fruit across Bordeaux