Brouilly is the largest and furthest south of the Beaujolais crus. It has a good south eastern exposure, at the bottom of the Saône Valley at an altitude of 200 to 300 metres. The subsoil consists of granite debris and blue-tinged schist. This also ranked the full 5 stars in my abbreviated-for-iPad rating system! Immediately exuberant, with a diverse array of floral notes, theres also some white pepper and crushed cherry notes. Gamay varietal by Dominique Piron.

Michel Chapoutier continues to produce wines of unbelievable value and his Cotes du Rhône is the leader of the pack. For under $20, medium bodied reds don't get better than this.

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron has become simply known as

Michel Chapoutier produces a wonderful, modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape here with a forboding Grenache and Syrah (Shiraz) blend that has lashing of blackcurrant, fig and licquorice root. A wonderful balance between power and elegance.

This is one of the gems produced by cult winemaker Elian Da Ros, who learned the art of winemaking at the prestigious Domaine Zind Humbrecht in Alsace before taking over the family vineyard. This luscious red is a blend of half Cabernet Franc, with the rest a split between Merlot and Syrah and matured for 18 months in old oak. Drink young for the sheer enjoyment.

This is a vibrantly aromatic and juicy, red fruited wine, with energy and a refreshing, tangy backbone. The long, spicy finish has plenty to keep you engaged.

Alain Pascal is the man mountain behind the Domaine du Gros'Noré - a man big is stature, and big in character. These traits are refelcted in his terroir specific wines of the Bandol sub-region in Provence; muscular and complex, yet soft, supple and thoroughly engaging. The Rosé is crisp and dry with that trademark texture and length of palate the domaine is famous for.

The name Batailley boasts a long and proud history. The vineyard sits on a plateau to the west of Mouton Rothschild and is planted in the classic Pauillac wine appellation proportions with Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant varietal. The name is said to derive from a

Chateau Ducluzeau is owned by Bruno Borie, owner of the iconic Second Growth Ducru Beaucaillou in St Julien. The 10ha vineyard in Listrac being planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest percentage of Merlot in the entire appellation). Classic Bordeaux through and through - with beautiful notes of liquorice, rose, plum and blackberry.

The pride of Macedonia, originating from the Tikves wine region. A delightful semi-dry red wine made from the indigenous grape variety Vranec. The wine has an intense red colour. It has a distinctive taste of raisins and raspberries. The wine has ripe tannins, giving it a pleasant some sweet aftertaste. The grape is known for its rich flavour and intense aromas.