The French senate has decided to reinstate the classification of Saint-Émilion estates set up in 1996.

The second chamber of the French parliament has granted the wine producers in Saint-Émilion a period of grace. Until such time as a court of law reaches a final decision, the classification in place from 1996 to 2006, which is actually invalid now, will be reinstated. This decision must still be confirmed by the first chamber of parliament, but this is considered to be highly likely. As decided a few dasy ago by the court concerned, the new classification, which should have been valid since 2007, remains invalid until such time as the courts finalise the matter. As soon as the senate decision comes into force, all the estates that were classified in 1996, may continue to use the terms Grand Cru Classé/Premier Grand Cru Classé; however the estates that were upgraded in the 2007 classification may not use the new title yet. (WF)