CHATEAU LYNCH-BAGES 5ME CRU CLASSE, PAUILLAC
"Lynch-Bages is an iconic fifth growth of Pauillac and has the distinction of having produced the only wine that has ever been sent into space. Established in the early 1700s, the wine was labelled Chateau Jurine Bages at the time of the 1855 classification, later renamed in recognition of earlier owners the Lynch family. Jean-Charles Cazes purchased the property in the 1930s, later passing the management of the estate to his grandson Jean-Michel Cazes who modernised the winery and was a prolific spruiker of not just his own wines, but those of all Bordeaux throughout the 70s and beyond. Now managed by the next generation, (another Jean-Charles) Lynch-Bages continues to produce Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines of great concentration, offering ripe cassis and enviable cellaring potential."
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron Lalande Pauillac
"Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is the sister property to Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, formed upon the death of Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville in 1850. The parcel of vines we now know as Pichon Lalande were passed to the Baron’s three daughters, and today is one of the most elegant wines in the Haut Medoc. This elegance should not be confused with being underweight, as the wines have enormous richness and intensity, and age extremely well. Plantings on the large property include a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot."
Chateau Phelan-Segur St-Estephe
Plenty of cabernet character with currant and blackberry and some fresh-herb undertones. Medium body. Fine, firm tannins. Refined and together. Oyster shell and hints of spices such as cloves and white pepper. Tapenade. Typical for the appellation. 75% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot and 21% merlot.
Chateau Pavie Macquin St Emilion
Raspberry and fresh cherry abound on the nose with hints of mint and rich fleshy plum. A mixture of deep clay on hard limestone gives perfume and richness whilst retaining elegant acidity. The lifted fruit is delicious with savoury chalky tannins
CHATEAU DAME DE MONTROSE
Very deep, dark ruby-red, the wine is practically opaque, with a purple rim. Aromas are of restrained and brooding dark-fruit. Dark-plum and damson fruit combines harmoniously with fresh acidity on the palate. The wine has a milky texture and smooth tannins that are so fine. The structure is of mid-weight, but the soft tannins leave a gap on the finish. Alcohol is well in balance, allowing juicy dark-plum fruit to reassert itself on the long, fresh finish.
CHATEAU SMITH-HAUT-LAFITTE ROUGE GRAND CRU CLASSE, PESSAC-LEOGNAN
"Château Smith-Haute-Lafitte dedicate 11 hectares of their vineyards in Graves to white wine production. In 1990, Olympic ski champions Daniel and Florence Cathiard purchased the Château and revolutionised its production, reducing the amount of intervention in the winemaking and planting two extra white grape varieties, which has greatly increased the desirability and complexity of the label’s blanc. Sauvignon Blanc dominates in the vineyard, with small parcels of Sauvignon Gris and Semillon. Grapes are whole berry fermented, and no skin contact or malolactic fermentation takes place. They are aged on lees for a year with stirring, then aged in 50% new oak."
Chateau Lilian Ladouys St Estephe
Château Lilian Ladouys, is a winery situated in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, this historic estate embodies centuries of viticultural tradition. The vineyard, with its optimal terroir and careful cultivation, produces wines of exceptional quality and character. The meticulous craftsmanship involved, blending traditional methods with modern expertise, yields a product that speaks to the essence of its land. Château Lilian Ladouys' wines are renowned for their deep hues, complex aromas, and robust yet elegant flavours, a true representation and a rising star of Saint-Estèphe.
Le Baron de Brane Margaux
Le Baron de Brane, the second wine of Château Brane-Cantenac in Margaux, is an exceptional offering that combines quality and value. This wine is crafted from the younger vines of the esteemed Brane-Cantenac vineyard, which benefits from the region's gravelly soils and optimal microclimate. Winemaker Henri Lurton oversees the meticulous production process. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving their vibrant character. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, with around 20% new oak, adding subtle complexity and structure. Each vintage of Le Baron de Brane offers a delightful nose of red berries, blackcurrant, and a hint of cedar. On the palate, expect a harmonious blend of fresh fruit flavours, fine tannins, and a touch of spice, leading to a smooth, elegant finish. This wine embodies the prestige of Margaux while providing excellent value, making it an ideal choice for both casual enjoyment and special occasions.
CHATEAU LAFON ROCHET ST ESTEPHE
Château Duhart-Milon is a fourth growth (Quatrième Cru Classé) estate in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild, the wine is made by the same winemaking team as Château Lafite. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a substantial component of Merlot, the Grand Vin is matured for 18 months in approximately 50% new French oak barriques. Château Duhart-Milon is typically a sturdy solid Pauillac with firm structure and earthy savoury richness.
CHATEAU LAFITE PAUILLAC
"Château Lafite-Rothschild is one of the most renowned properties in the Médoc. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild and located in the north of the Pauillac appellation, Lafite Rothschild is also one of the largest Médoc estates. It has 95 hectares of vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Lafite Rothschild's vineyards lie on deep gravel beds (up to 5 metres thick) over marl and limestone. Annual production tops 35,000 cases, although a third of this consists of the second wine called Carruades de Lafite. Of all the Médoc Grand Crus, Lafite Rothschild can be the most beguiling and difficult to understand. It is never the most powerful, yet, along with Margaux, possesses the most exquisite bouquet of any Médoc wine. It has the elegance, balance and harmony that epitomises claret at its very best."