From the smallest parcel of the Leoville estate, comes Chateau L?oville-Barton, a once mid-tier level 2nd Growth that has accelerated in quality and interest since the reinvigoration of current proprietor Anthony Barton in the mid 1980s. The rich, gravel-and-clay soils host a predominately Cabernet Sauvignon base of vines, though Merlot and Cabernet Franc also factor. New oak use is kept to around 50%, and the wines are notable for their purity yet power. 2010 is no exception, with a wine that drives with authority across the palate, while providing the baseline for a long time of pleasurable cellaring. Rightfully called one of the most exciting producers of St-Julien.

Carruades de Lafite, the second wine of the esteemed Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux, France, exemplifies the winery's commitment to excellence and offers a compelling expression of the Pauillac appellation. Sourced from the same vineyards as its grand vin counterpart, Carruades de Lafite showcases a refined and approachable style, characterized by elegant fruit flavors, harmonious structure, and a notable sense of finesse. While it may not possess the same depth and longevity as the grand vin, it remains a highly regarded and sought-after wine, providing wine enthusiasts with a captivating glimpse into the renowned heritage of Château Lafite Rothschild.

Château Duhart-Milon’s second wine is selected on the same basis as the “Grand Vin”. In general, the grapes are from the younger plots in the vineyard. Moulin de Duhart has several characteristics similar to the grand vin, but with less potential for ageing as its barrel ageing period is shorter. It should be consumed younger than its more robust counterpart. The origin of the name comes from the former presence of a windmill on the Carruades plateau, next to the Duhart-Milon vineyard.

The Arômes de Pavie 2021 is the 2nd wine from Chateau Pavie and is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. It matures in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new French oak. In the glass the wine is a deep purple-black color. Still closed in its early years, but with some waltzing comes the lush scents of stewed black plums, black cherry compote and red and black currants. The wine further has aromas of tar, baked herbs and charcoal. On the palate, the Aromes de Pavie is full body wrapped in layers of black fruit, framed by soft tannins and tons of freshness and finishes long and earthy.

Chateau Pavie’s 2021 blend is comprised of 52% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Cabernet Franc, perfectly reflecting the steep, limestone terroir of the estate. 75% of the wine is aged in new oak and the remaining 25% in one-year-old oak barrels. The wine features a full Pavie signature, with a prominent oak influence that complements the wine’s overall excellent quality.

"Château Mauvesin Barton, nestled within the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, is a venerable estate revered for its commitment to producing exceptional wines. As a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, it stands as a testament to a long-standing tradition of winemaking expertise dating back to the 18th century. The vineyard, characterised by a mosaic of gravelly soils, is ideally situated for cultivating the classic grape varieties of the region. Mauvesin Barton's winemaking philosophy is firmly rooted in sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. The estate emphasises precision and finesse in their viticultural techniques, meticulously caring for the vines to optimise grape quality. The resulting wines are a harmonious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, encapsulating the rich terroir and reflecting the unique characteristics of the estate. With each vintage, Château Mauvesin Barton crafts wines of depth and elegance, displaying a brilliant fusion of fruit-driven flavours, supple tannins, and a graceful structure. Enthusiasts can savour the heritage and excellence of Mauvesin Barton's creations, a true embodiment of the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation."

Another terrific success for the flagship estate (a 92-acre vineyard situated on the famed limestone and clay-rich slopes of Cote Pavie) of Chantal and Gerard Perse, the 2011 Pavie is composed of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2011 may be the biggest, richest, most massive wine of the vintage. With thrilling levels of concentration, tremendous purity, high but sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, and terrific intensity, depth and palate presence, this larger-than-life effort will require 5-8 years of cellaring, and should age effortlessly over the following 25-30 years.

Chateau Montrose is a second Grand Cru Classé estate in St-Estephe and is considered one of the leading wine properties of the appellation. Located in the eastern half of the appellation just 800 metres from the Gironde estuary, the propertys proximity to the water provides a unique micro-climate that protects the vines from frost. The Grand Vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, that appears very powerful and austere in its youth, with a backbone of firm tannins that provides exceptional longevity.

In 1815, Guillaume Lawton said of Château Lafite, “I consider it to be the the most elegant and delicate, with the finest substance of the three (Premier Crus). The location of its vines is one of the finest in the Médoc”. In 1855 the Château was ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in the famous classification that was prepared for the Universal Exhibition of that year. A recurring phenomenon in recent years, the beginning of the winter was mild and dry, and it was only at the end of January that beneficial colder temperatures arrived, accompanied by rain. Bud break began in early April as usual, and the vines then grew quickly, as they had ample reserves of water and the weather was mild. In June, flowering was early and uniform, which is always a promising sign. The influence of the Atlantic ocean and the Gironde estuary helped to reduce the effect of a somewhat hot summer with high temperatures. Water stress was high, but rain in August brought the freshness required for the grapes to change colour and then to ripen perfectly. Conditions were ideal during the harvests, enabling us to obtain optimal ripeness for each plot.