The history of Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron is a tale of two estates. The chateau and vineyard known as Pichon Baron was given in dowry to the founders daughter when she married Jacques du Pichon Longueville. After the death of their descendent, the Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville, in 1850 the estate was again divided - on his deathbed, he gave what became Chateau Pichon Baron to the men of his family, and what became Chateau Pichon Lalande to the women - resulting in, some say, more masculine and sensuous styles of wine respectively! Between the 1960s and the 1980s, the estate went through a period of rather lacklustre production - however, since 1990, they have been producing, according to many, some of the best wines in their history. The 2016 has earned high praise and glowing comparisons to their legendary 1990 Pichon Baron.

Soft, smooth and a fantastic expression of Cheval Blanc. Sweet red cherries, black currants, lavender. The palate is silky with great length, all framed with the hallmark superb balance. Wonderfully elegant, with the dominance of Merlot in the blend playing all the right cards.

Chateau Batailley is a highly regarded 5th growth classified estate, located in the appellation of Pauillac on the left bank of Bordeaux. Owned by the Castéja family of négociants Borie-Manoux, it is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. A Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with smaller components of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it is a solid, classically structured mid-weight Pauillac displaying fresh notes of cassis and a backbone of fine-grained tannins.

From an estate reputed for its ability to produce exceptional white and red wines, this red offering from 2010 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The Graves producer has the ''ace in the hole'' of noted winemaker-consultant Stephane Derenencourt who has been increasing the quality of the wines through his tenure. The wines have enjoyed a twenty year ascension in the ranks of Bordeaux lovers, noted for their more modest alcohol, medium-bodied nature and freshness of fruit character. Though set to the lighter spectrum, elegance is the calling card in 2010.

La Dominique is a Grand Cru Classe growth of Saint-Émillion, leading the way in many fields of modernisation and innovation amongst the chateaux of Bordeaux. Owner Clement Fayat has spent decades on improving everything from vinification facilities, to drainage, to the cellars, to a bright red (and controversially visible from a distance) vat house completed in 2013. Benefitting (similarly to their famous neighbours, Ch. Cheval Blanc) from a proximity to Pomerol, La Dominique produces Merlot-led wines that combine vigour and elegance.

With one of the longest and most pedigreed histories in the Medoc region, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases has passed through the hands of some of Frances most notable and wealthiest noble families. Today, the estate is family owned by the Delons, of which brother Jean Hubert and sister Genevieve manage proceedings. Their second wine, Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases, is a relative newcomer, only having been released for the first time in 2009.

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.

Haut Bailly II is the second wine of Château Haut-Bailly in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. As the younger sibling of the renowned Château Haut-Bailly, Haut Bailly II encapsulates the estate's commitment to quality and tradition. Situated in the revered Pessac-Léognan terroir, the vineyards are blessed with gravelly soils and an ideal climate, making it conducive to cultivating predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The production of Haut Bailly II mirrors the meticulous attention to detail found in Château Haut-Bailly. However, it is crafted to be approachable and enjoyable at a younger age while still showcasing the elegance and characteristics of its parent estate. The resulting wine exudes flavours of red and black fruits, refined tannins, and a well-balanced structure.