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Why is this top wine Cinquième Cru? The classification of Château Pontet-Canet as Cinquième Cru (Fifth Class) in the official Bordeaux classification system of 1855 is historical. This classification system was created for the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1855 at the request of Emperor Napoleon III in order to showcase the best wines of Bordeaux. The wines were classified primarily on the basis of market price and reputation at the time. Château Pontet-Canet, located in Pauillac, was classified as Cinquième Cru due to its prices and reputation at the time. The classification has not changed since 1855, although the quality of many estates, including Pontet-Canet, has improved significantly. Pontet-Canet has made significant investments in quality and sustainable winemaking in recent decades, which has led to a higher recognition and rating of its wines. However, the original classification remains, as the system is very rarely updated and remains largely unchanged to maintain historical continuity. The current reputation of Pontet-Canet is equivalent to a Premier Cru.