Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1er cru classe
One of the very greatest estates of Bordeaux, Château Mouton Rothschild is in the commune of Pauillac in the Haut-Medoc, 50km north-west of the city of Bordeaux. Its Chateau wine or grand vin is among the worlds most highly-rated and expensive. Excluded from the highest rank (Premier Cru or First Growth) of the famous Bordeaux Classification of 1855, Mouton was finally promoted in 1973 after decades of lobbying by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who ran the estate from 1922 until his death in 1988. Mouton was first in the region to bottle at the estate, rather than shipping its wine to merchants for bottling elsewhere. Since 1924 artists including Braque, Dali, Picasso, Henry Moore, Miro, Chagall, Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Lucian Freud have been commissioned to produce label images. Mouton, uniquely among the First Growths, remains in the hands of the same family as it was at the time of the 1855 Classification. The vineyards are on slopes with gravel-based soils leading down to the Gironde estuary and total 75ha 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The Chateau wine is (unusually) fermented in large oak vats and then matured in new oak barrels for between 19 and 22 months. Total production of the grand vin is 20,000 dozen or less. There is a second wine, Le Petit Mouton, established in 1993. The grand vin is noted for its flamboyance exotic, powerful aromas of cassis, minerals, tobacco leaf and graphite, an opulent palate and impressive length of flavour.
CHATEAU HAUT BRION 1er cru classe
Chateau Haut Brion is one of the five first Growths of the 1855 Classification of the Medoc. The Chateau was established in 1533 by Jean de Pontac, who was the first to plant vineyards on this prime gravelly site, found in the Graves sub-region of Pessac Leognan. The Chateau is owned today by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the great grandson of Clarence Dillon. It is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with three hectares planted to the white varieties of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Chateau Haut Brion is the only property outside of the Medoc in the 1855 classification. A wine of class and breed, Chateau Haut Brion is typically more approachable in its youth, showing floral perfume and elegance, yet possesses the structure required for exceptional longevity.
CHATEAU LA MISSION-HAUT-BRION Cru classe
Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). The chateau wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the chateau comes from 3.5 ha planted to Semillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Chateau Haut Brion), the entire estate has been renovated vineyards, winemaking facilities and the chateau itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.
Laurent Roumier Grand Cru
Penfolds Bin 180 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
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.
Marchese Antinori Solaia
Seppeltsfield 80y in oak Para Aged Tawny
Seppeltsfields founder, Joseph Seppelt and his eldest son, Benno, both possessed an incredibly long-term vision and outlook for Seppeltsfield, working tirelessly to ensure a legacy was passed on to future generations. This is manifest in Benno Seppelts inception of the Centennial Cellar, a remarkable system of laying down and maturing single barrels of vintage Tawny for significant ageing before release. It is believed to be the world's only unbroken lineage of single vintage wines spanning more than 130 consecutive vintages. This amazing resource allows Seppeltsfield to offer the release of wines at the 30, 40, 50,60,70,80 and 90 year anniversaries to mark a special birthday or milestone.
Penfolds Superblend 802.B
An ascent of dark summer pudding aromatics, underpinned by a dark berry fruit base. An excellent line across palate; fine and persistent.
Penfolds Dourthe Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
When young, this exceptional shiraz gives plenty of black cherry and dark berry notes laced with savoury spices. A layer of creamy liqueur character adds complexity. Concentrated and age-worthy, expect earthy and chocolate tones to develop over time. A wine built for the long haul.
Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz
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.