Regarded by many as a candidate for wine of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. A huge accolade indeed for La Mission Haut-Brion considering the quite phenomenal wines being released. The 2009 can boast a colour that is almost impenetrable and a exciting bouquet of blackberry, truffles and spicy earth. The concentration of the palate is something to behold itself. A vinosity that is hard to find elsewhere, the flavours in the mouth follow on from the nose in nice order, yet the sheer power of the wine quite extraordinary. Layers of flavours continue throughout the palate and continue well into its length. Will no doubt be in short supply as all clamour to get a piece of this Bordeaux masterpiece.
Bin 707 is a Cabernet Sauvignon reflection of Grange, intensely-flavoured fruit, completion of fermentation and maturation in new oak, expressing a Penfolds understanding of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit sourcing. Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 when fruit was directed to other wines, nor in 1981, 1995, 2000, 2003 or 2011 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 retains a secure place among the ranks of Australias finest Cabernets.
A very important estate in St-Émilion, Château Angélus was acquired by the de Boüard de Laforest family in 1924 and merged with the previously owned Château Mazerat. The apostrophe was dropped in 1989 and is now simply known as Angélus. The wines are characterised by a fabulous texture offered by the high component of Cabernet Franc with the plump softness added by the Merlot creating a wine of pleasing plushness.
Unmistakably, Grange, this 2012 vintage is complex, flamboyant and lifted. An aromatic multi-cultural characteristics. The earthiness is well integrated with the aromas of dark fruits, grounded coffee, red liquorice and black olives, which leads to a firmly structured finish.
Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. This pioneering spirit still rings true after nearly two centuries and is what has helped them become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today. Penfolds Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2021 binds the past and present. It encases progress, tradition, and spirit as a commemorative wine to mark 180 years of winemaking at Penfolds. Made with fruit from esteemed Penfolds vineyard blocks in Coonawarra, Bin 180 highlights the long-standing relationship between Penfolds and the region.
Bouchard owns two parcels at the top and bottom of the famed walled vineyard, although presently their Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru comes from the top part, as the bottom has been pulled up. This part of this famous, 50 hectare walled vineyard tends to produce the best wine that have Grand Cru concentration and structure.
Château Palmer is considered one of the worlds first 'Super Seconds' (although actually classified as a third growth), a term relating to the top echelon of producers that fall outside of the ancient 1st Growth classification. Margaux's Château Palmer was named after a British general who fought under Wellington. It has been stated by quite a few wine critics that this could possibly be the finest Château Palmer ever produced. An amazing claim considering how phenomenal the 2005 was and is yet to be. Masses of concentrated aromas and flavours that will keep your senses entertained for hours on end. A truly remarkable achievement that will repay the patient cellarer over the next 30 years.
Chateau Lafite Rothschild’s celebrated second wine, Carruades de Lafite is named from plots acquired in 1845 just next to the vines on the Château hilltop and the final blend contains both declassified first growth fruit as well as a higher percentage of Merlot than the first wine, anywhere from 30-50 percent depending on the vintage. As a result, you get the elegance and persistence of Lafite but also a suppleness making it approachable when young but always with enough structure to warrant at least a decade of cellaring.
Regarded a Super Second (but technically a 3me growth), Palmer is capable of producing wines that equal or even outstrip the quality of its famous Premier cru neighbour, Ch. Margaux. Named for the wealthy English military man who bought the estate in the early 19th century, Palmer is now majority owned by the Mahler Besse and Sichel families - famous Bordeaux negociants. Many of the best plots on the property were purchased after the Classification of 1855, explaining in part why Palmer did not warrant higher standing at that time. Certainly today there is no question that the wine is among Bordeauxs best. The estate also makes a separate second label - named Alter Ego - which is made from similarly high quality fruit but treated differently in the winery with the aim of producing a counterpoint in style to the First wine.