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Chateau Batailley is a highly regarded 5th growth classified estate, located in the appellation of Pauillac on the left bank of Bordeaux. Owned by the Castéja family of négociants Borie-Manoux, it is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. A Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with smaller components of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it is a solid, classically structured mid-weight Pauillac displaying fresh notes of cassis and a backbone of fine-grained tannins.

Clos Cantenac is a small but seductive 6 hectares property made up of four main parcels of vines carefully planted on an exceptional terroir of deep gravels, sand and clay over broken limestone situated close to the prehistoric Megalith de Pierrefitte.

Australia's first boutique winery, Lake's Folly Cabernets is an Australian wine treasure. More Bordeaux in nature than most, the Cabernets is a wine of pristine purity and elegance. With a sense of place that can be tasted in every bottle across all vintages, Lake's Folly Cabernets is a must have for all serious wine collectors and lovers. The 2010 is a young, robust version that will require some time in the cellar to really show its complex characteristics and refined palate.

The largest estate in St Emillion, Laroque has been in the Beaumartin family since 1935, but has been completely revitalised and garnered a cult following in the last decade. The vineyards were originally put down in the 18th Century, with the current vines planted in the 1960s. David Suire has taken in the mantle of winemaker with aplomb - his most recent releases being consistently excellent. The property also produces fruit for wines sold as Chateau Peymouton and the estates second wine Les Tours de Laroque.

Château Duhart-Milon’s second wine is selected on the same basis as the “Grand Vin”. In general, the grapes are from the younger plots in the vineyard. Moulin de Duhart has several characteristics similar to the grand vin, but with less potential for ageing as its barrel ageing period is shorter. It should be consumed younger than its more robust counterpart. The origin of the name comes from the former presence of a windmill on the Carruades plateau, next to the Duhart-Milon vineyard.

While the estate known as Chateau Haut-Bailly dates back to 1461, its wine production began in 1530, falling into the hands of the de Leuvarde and Le Bailly families in 1630. It was purchased in 1998 by Robert G Wilmers, a Harvard-educated banker, and his French wife Elisabeth and under their care, the estate has begun producing some of the best wines in its history. The cellars and production procedures were renovated and modernised and this year, the Chateau itself was awarded government recognition of its cultural and vinious heritage.

Grosset Gaia Cabernet is one distinguished CabernetBring it on! By Gaia standards, its plump and plush with sweet fruit, rich dark chocolate and tannin presence. Gaia is always a wonderful long-term cellaring option, as is the case with the '08, but this vintage the added bonus of up front fruit enables immediate enjoyment.

Les Racines', a cuvée made with grapes from the estate's oldest vines, has the velvet, depth and harmony that defines old grenache when cultivated in refined terroirs. It has very high ageing potential, as balance is the main factor.

Jean-Luc Colombo has forged an international reputation as one of the most visionary and imaginative winemakers in Frances Rhône Valley and especially in Cornas. Les Terres Brûlées (The Burnt Earths) is the prettilest expression of Syrah from the Cornas appellation. From a mixture of 20 to 60 year old vines this wine is a subtle blend I fulfill each year from different plots. The tannins, powerful but elegant, are softened by a well-managed maturation of two years in oak. The wine of intense ruby colour has aromas of raspberry, liquorice, coffee and a long spicy finish. Linger over this wine with a rib roast of beef and dauphinoise potatoes. Will open in 2 to 3 years, but may be cellared for 15 years. Certified Organic. 100% Syrah.

60% Cabernet, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese. Fermentation is conducted in open truncated cone shaped vats followed by malolactic and ageing in barriques (new and second passage) for 10 months, with a minimum of 6 months bottle refinement. An ample nose of red and black berry fruit, sweet spice and earthy notes. The palate hints at Tuscan flavours of leather, tar and grilled herbs, finishing rich and smooth.