Fine Wine News Adelaide: Cristal at 150, Lalou Bize-Leroy and a New Margaux Chief

Wine Industry

This is our fine wine news Adelaide round-up for the first week of October. Three stories stood out, all from France: Cristal turned 150, Lalou Bize-Leroy entered the Decanter Hall of Fame, and Château Margaux named a new managing director.

Fine wine news Adelaide drinkers should know this week

Cristal at 150

Louis Roederer marked 150 years of Cristal with a London tasting of vintages from 1995 to 2018, The Drinks Business reported on 2 October. Cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon said the 2026 harvest began on 15 August, the earliest start since 1893, after five heatwaves.

Cristal comes from 45 plots across seven villages. In the warm 2018 vintage, Roederer added four plots in Avize to hold freshness. It was the first time in 40 years the house had gone outside those 45. Lécaillon has also revived poignettage, shaking bottles by hand to stir the lees, after finding a 1945 Roederer still fresh.

Lalou Bize-Leroy enters the Hall of Fame

Decanter named Lalou Bize-Leroy its 2026 Hall of Fame inductee. She started as a buyer for Maison Leroy in 1955, co-directed Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from 1974 to 1992, and founded Domaine Leroy and Domaine d’Auvenay. Her low yields and early biodynamic farming shaped a generation of Burgundy growers.

The Rising Star award went jointly to Ramiro Ibáñez and Willy Pérez of Jerez, for reviving unfortified vinos de pasto and the historic De la Riva brand.

A new managing director at Château Margaux

Philippe Bascaules retires at the end of 2026 after more than 30 years at the estate. Aurélien Valance, who joined Margaux as an intern in 2001, takes over as managing director on 1 December. Bascaules stays on as a consultant for harvest and blending, and Éric Boissenot continues as consulting oenologist.

What it means at Bar Septimus

Champagne Weekend, 23 to 26 October

Earlier picking and cooler, chalkier sites are now how the big houses protect their style. You can taste the range for yourself at our Champagne Weekend. The $55 flight pours a grower’s blanc de blancs, Pol Roger and a rosé, 60ml of each, with three cheeses to match. No tickets: walk in or book a table. The full Champagne list is open by the glass all four days.

More on French wine

For more on the French side of our list, read our guide to French wine in Adelaide, or catch up on last week’s blanc de blancs and harvest news. Everything we pour is on the menu.