An attractive wooden twin-pack case showcasing two classic Bordeaux blends: 2018 Chateau Haut Madrac is a Cru Bourgeois in the Haut Médoc. A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, it is an elegant yet powerful example claret with depth of flavour. 2022 Horizon de Lynch is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Intense purple in colour, with aromas of toasty cedar, dark plums, and liquorice. Fine tannins round out the silky finish - a great example of a modern and highly drinkable claret.

The largest estate in St Emillion, Laroque has been in the Beaumartin family since 1935, but has been completely revitalised and garnered a cult following in the last decade. The vineyards were originally put down in the 18th Century, with the current vines planted in the 1960s. David Suire has taken in the mantle of winemaker with aplomb - his most recent releases being consistently excellent. The property also produces fruit for wines sold as Chateau Peymouton and the estates second wine Les Tours de Laroque.

Mechanical harvest at the end of september / beginning of october. Cold maceration prior to the fermentation according the quality of the grape. Slow alcoholic fermentation with temperature regulation. Pumping over 2 to 3 times a day then delestage. Smooth maceration during 3 weeks at 22 Celsius degrees. Ageing in cement vats with wooden dominos.

Petaluma Merlot is medium body with a brick red colour, the superbly perfumed bouquet is a tangle of marzipan, spice, plum and confectionery and is the best nose of the early Petalumas. On the palate, flavours of cherry, plum and spice emerge, with very good depth and complexity.

In every wine region there are hidden gems, and Bordeaux is no exception. Chateau Chantecaille Clauzel is a tiny (0.4ha) patch of vines right on the border between St-Emilion and Pomerol, wedged in by vines owned owned by Chateaux LEvangile and La Dominique. Illustrious near-neighbours include Cheval Blanc, Petrus and Gazin. Chance, a proud family history and local politics account for its survival. If the cards had fallen differently Chantecaille Clauzels fruit would be incorporated in a much more famous and much more expensive wine. Chantecaille Clauzel is essentially Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and matured in seasoned barriques (just five or six of them) at the Clauzel familys nearby Chateau Guillot Clauzel.