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Labegorce is found just north of the town of Margaux, opposite Chateau Lascombes. It produces wines that are often favourably compared to its neighbouring classified Margaux Growths, but available for considerably less of an investment. Its instantly recognisable and iconic chateau was constructed in 1821, and the modern estate was purchased by Hubert Perrodo in 1989, now managed by his daughter Nathalie. The wine is typically made up of at least 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by slightly less Merlot and a small balance of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soils here are primarily sandy gravel with small amounts of limestone.

With a long and tumultuous history in the Haut-Médoc, stretching all the way back to its classification as one of fourteen 3me crus in the 1855 Classification, the Chateau has been rescued from obscurity, sold from family to family and endured superbly, as this latest offering amply exhibits. Unique, vibrant, and deep in colour, the 2016 can proudly hold its head up among the best La Lagune releases of recent years. Intensely aromatic, with a supple, medium-bodied palate, it will benefit from four or five years in the cellar and give ample rewards for your patience.

V & A Lane is named after a long straight road that dissects Coonawarras renowned terra rossa strip. A historical location, first surveyed in 1851, it has long been used as a landmark setting out the northern and southern ends of Coonawarra. The V & A Lane Shiraz is a classic Coonawarra style, showing ample blue and blackberry fruit and supple silky tannins.

In the winery: Matured for 20 months in new French barriques, Hungarian, French and American hogsheads. In the glass: Inky dark red. On the nose: Ripe dark fruit, a hint of mint, toasty oak and cedary development.On the palate: Intense black fruit power melding well with deluxe mocha oak a rich, dense and complex reserve style with tight, grainy tannins and spicy acidity.

The Malleea (an aboriginal word for 'green paddock') is a very fine exapmle of the classic Australian Cabernet/Shiraz blend. The 2008 is rich, dark magenta in colour, with ripe plums, spice and vanillin oak on the nose. The palate is like a complex fruit cake with layers of fresh berries, black olives and hints of chocolate.