Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac
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.
Château Cheval Blanc Saint-Émilion
Without a doubt one of Bordeaux's most famous vineyards, Cheval Blanc lies on the border of Pomerol and is also easily the most important estate in St-Émilion. Uniquely a blend dominated by Cabernet Franc, Cheval Blanc's wines have a powerful bouquet which is spicy and rich which is followed by fruit that is soft, mellow and liquorous. Matched only by Pétrus in the realm of vigour and concentration, Cheval's exuberance is not to be missed. With this latest release, the 2009, the wines are bordering on immortal. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, this super-smooth, velour textured and opulent red wine shows rambunctious flavours of raspberries, blueberries, liquorice and a smidge of menthol. Will be fascinating to watch this
Chateau l'Eglise Clinet
Château Cheval Blanc St-Émilion
Chateau Cheval Blanc is without doubt, the finest estate in St Emillion, and regarded as one of the greatest Bordeaux wines of modern times. Set next to Pomerol, the estate is set on a unique soil profile that meshes clay, sand and gravel over a bed of rock. Winegrower Pierre Lurton is regarded as one of the most highly skilled in Frane, and the wines are highly collectable and of extreme quality. The 2010 harvest is 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot, and regarded as one of the greatest releases of all time - a classic that will cellar for half a century, and duly showcase the complexity, luxury and textural experience possible from such a very fine wine.
Chateau Rayas Reserve
Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue Grand Cru
One of the two Grand Crus from this iconic Domain, this one the wilder of the family. The soils here are on gentler slopes, (less well-drained, less quickly warmed by the sun) than their stablemates. This lends the Bonnes-Mares a distinctive individuality in the portfolio. It is more purple, rather than ruby, and takes its energy from structure, rather than minerality. It's "unconventional and free-thinking says vigneron Eric Bourgogne.
Chateau Haut-Brion
Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos des Ruchottes Monopole
DOMAINE ARMAND ROUSSEAU Clos des Ruchottes Monopole, Ruchottes-Chambertin