This is a complex blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc finished with Carmenere and Petit Verdot - flavours and perfume are thus layered, intense, detailed and glorious. A cavalcade of fruit, spice, earth, savouriness and beautiful wood handling. The estate is managed by Patrick Leon, whose talents are writ large in the finesse of handling the complex array of fruit, and judicious use of winemaking technique to elicit this most elegant yet finely wrought style. It's relative approachability is another key to this wines excellence.

The second wine of Chateau Margaux came about partly due to misfortune - when an attack of phylloxera decimated the vineyards, necessitating a replanting of the majority of their vineyards. The lack of grapes eliminated the possibility of a First Growth Quality wine and led to the production of their second wine - the Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux, the first official vintage of which was released in 1906. Renowned as a sterling example of a second wine, the 2016 has been hailed as a particularly superb vintage. Medium-bodied, silky, intense and tannic, it continues its impressive trajectory year upon year.

France's Bordeaux, is the spiritual home of the Cabernet family of grapes, which extends beyond Sauvignon and Franc to Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. If you love Margaret River Cabernet blends, or indeed the Merlot dominant reds of Hawkes Bay, NZ, then you must look at the wines upon which many of them have been modelled. This wine is Cabernet and Merlot, deep and rich, cassis and earthy cedar, structure and uncommon length - all hallmarks of Grand Cru Bordeaux.

The Vik 2019 is a Chilean wine that showcases the exceptional quality of the vintage. Its deep, ruby red hue and glistening clarity immediately catch the eye. On the nose, this wine is vibrant and complex, with aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and a hint of smoky oak. As it opens up, notes of black pepper and cedar emerge, adding layers of depth and intrigue. On the palate, the Vik 2019 is equally impressive. The first sip reveals a powerful yet graceful structure, with firm tannins and balanced acidity. The fruit flavors from the nose are echoed on the palate, along with a subtle touch of vanilla and a touch of spice. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a satisfying impression of dark fruits and a touch of minerality. Overall, the Vik 2019 is an exceptional wine that showcases the unique terroir of Chile and the skill of its winemakers. This is one to savor and enjoy, either on its own or paired with a hearty meal.

The Chapoutier Estate has been present in the Rhone Valley since 1808, always on a quest to find different tastes and expressions of terroir, or sense of place. Hermitage is regarded by some as the greatest expression of Shiraz from anywhere in the world. If you're a Shiraz lover and haven't yet explored the wines of the Northern Rhone, you're simply missing out.