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.

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.

Deep red garnet with violet highlights. Ripe fruits and powerful tannins, mellow, stewed blackberries, can be cellared for a considerable time.

A Rosé with the structure of a prestige Cuvée, Charles Heidsidck Rosé Reserve has a subtle, yet complex aromas of strawberry jam mixed with ripe peaches on the nose. It is delicate at first on the palate but the raspberry and blackberry slowly became apparent. They are well-balanced with the right amount of acidity. The wine is well structured and made to match with food.

Made from the Gamay grape variety it is surprising that Beaujolais is not more popular in Australia! Soft, juicy and delicious - this is the ideal picnic companion.

Chapoutier Le Pavillon Ermitage should be considered the perfect Hermitage wine. Reminiscent of the 1991, the 2006 Le Pavillon has a wonderful opaque colour of dark purple with a brilliant nose of smoky oak, cassis and truffle. In the mouth the wine truly sings with remarkable flavours of licorice, blackberry and intense dark cherry. The tannin precision and length of acid are truly exceptional and will help this behemoth of a wine cellar up until the 2040s!

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste produce some of the best value wines in the Pauillac region, if not simply some of the best quality in general. Cabernet based reds are their staple and generally produce wines of a robust and masculine nature. In recent years the wines are close to rivalling the famed Pichons .

A Rhone Valley Syrah produced and estate bottled at Domaine Robin. A full bodied and floral wine.

In the 1930s, Marcel Ott was attracted to a very old property near the coastline and the intense blue of the Mediterranean. Overlooking the sea, Clos Mireille is in Londe les Maures close to Brégançon.