Chateau Lafite Rothschild is widely considered one of the great Bordeaux estates, and certainly the upper echelon of the famed Medoc appellation. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild, the vineyards are located in the north of Pauillac near the boundary of St Estephe - while the site has allegedly been planted since the 14th century, the wines have been a staple only since the 17th century, and with increasing interest in the provenance more recently, following the Second World War. At 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot in 2010, this is a benchmark release that will be celebrated for generation. Increasing attention in cellar and vineyard has only enhanced the wines and their demand, due to continuing fine-tuning of quality.

Australia's most prestigious single vineyard icon, Henschke Hill of Grace's provenance from this small Eden Valley patch makes it the ultimate statement or rare gift. Stephen and Prue Henschke continue the tradition that is their family legacy with utmost class and ingenuity as can be tasted in this remarkable single-vineyard shiraz.

PERROT-MINOT Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru 'La Richemone' VV ULTRA

The Bonneau du Martray family is recognized as one of the best producers in the Corton appellation, and their Corton-Charlemagne is renowned as one of the benchmarks of the region. Produced from low-yielding vines, 16 different parcels of grapes are vinified separately in order for their respective "terroirs" to be reflected in the final wine. Fermentation begins in stainless steel and after 5 or 6 days is completed in cask. The separate cuvées are matured in one-third new oak barrels for 12 months before being assembled and returned to cask for another 6 months prior to being bottled.

One of the finest and most ethereal of all Burgundies, Domaine-Mugneret Grands-Échézeaux comes from a small 1 hectare plot of old vines averaging in age between 40 and 70 years. Silky and intense with a beguiling perfume of violets, fresh cherries, earth, leather, forest floor and truffle, the wine shows lovely volume and density with the structure to age gracefully over many years.