The balancing act of Chateau Montrose sees 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and for the first time an inclusion from the recently purchased vineyard parcel of Phelan Segur. Chateau Montrose is considered a top producer from St-Estephe, known for potential in cellaring and considered unique for its style, which is set to 'vin de garde' wines. The estate property is set on gravel-based soils and sits in what is conisdered a microclimate, also conspiring in the unique perfumes, composition and forimdable structure of these wines. 2010 has been spectacular for Montrose power and presence, and will be a worthy wine to drink in a decade to 75 years.

A famous 5th growth Bordeaux from the classic appellation of Pauillac that has undergone many name changes over its life. Starting life as Mouton d'Armailhac before changing in 1956 to Mouton Baron Philippe which changed to Baronne to commemorate the Baron's second wife. In 1991, the Baron's daughter decided to give the Château an original name to separate it from the other Mouton's and Château d'Armailhac was born. Situated across the road from the famous Mouton, the estate is run separately, but with equal care. Wines of great concentration and intensity are produced, as one would expect from such pedigree. The 2009 is the perfect example of this with a wine of fantastic intensity and concentration. One of the finest d'Armailhac's is living memory, swathes of blueberry, roasted meats and espresso coffee characters are present early and will only further develop with careful ageing over the next 20 years.

Dollar for dollar, wines such as this truly are remarkable value. Soft, round with flavours of ripe plums, blackcurrant and a finely grained mouthfeel.

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.

This is one of the gems produced by cult winemaker Elian Da Ros, who learned the art of winemaking at the prestigious Domaine Zind Humbrecht in Alsace before taking over the family vineyard. This luscious red is a blend of half Cabernet Franc, with the rest a split between Merlot and Syrah and matured for 18 months in old oak. Drink young for the sheer enjoyment.

While a fair share of Bordeaux vineyards can claim significant historical pedigree, few would be able to touch Chateau Figeac - it is one of a select few St Emilion vineyards to have been continuously occupied for over 2,000 years! The estate dates back to the second century when even the ancient Romans who occupied the area were aware of its outstanding terroir. One figure dominates the Chateaus modern era, and that is Thierry Manoncourt who ran the property from 1947 until his death in 2010, just shy of his 93rd birthday. Under his leadership, the Chateau was the first major Right Bank estate to embrace modern techniques such as temperature controlled, stainless steel vats. The traditional-styled Bordeaux has, understandably, gone through a wide range of iterations in its 2,000-plus year history - yet it still manages to surprise and delight. The 2016 earned rave reviews from critics, with Jancis Robinson hailing it as a wine of which ...the Manoncourt family should be very proud.

Maison Barboulot Pinot Noir is an exquisitely simple red, ideal for enjoying on quiet nights in on the couch. Enjoy soft flavours of ripe red berries and plump cherries with a smattering of spice and the barest hint of liquorice. Pair with hearty, dishes like roast duck or beef bourguignon.

This Estate was created in 1960, at the place known as Crès Ricards, in the village of Ceyras. In 2010 Jean-Claude Mas acquired the 27 ha (69 acres) belonging to the Château, extending the estate to 42 ha in 2013. He was fascinated by the fantastic terroir of the Terrasses du Larzac, which produces silky wines with intense flavors. At the foot of Mont Baudile, 35 km to the west of Montpellier, this vineyard offers a unique geography. Yields are low because of the strict grape selection and carbonic maceration is used to produce generous wines. Made from 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache and matured in new and older French oak for 10 months. The wine is at once full bodied and fresh, with notes of intense black currant, black cherry and mocha gliding to a silky, rich finish.

The fruit for this cabernet sauvignon from the famed house of Calvet is sourced in Languedoc in the south of France. The yield is limited and the wine is made in the traditional manner, allowing full expression of the fruit. The wine carries good intensity of dark colour, and flavours of black currant, red berries, licorice and spice linger through to the end.