Seductive nose dominated by raspberry, cherry and redcurrant aromas. Soft and smooth on th palate developing aromas of small red berries.

While Chateau Latour might be proximate to the famed Leoville estate, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases is individually distinguished for its own unique character, and regularly is called the best wine of St-Julien. Classic Las Cases wines show incredible perfume, a result of lower temperature fermentation and an adherence to around three quarters of their barrels being new oak. The 2010 is as always Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, and shows with elegance, finesse and yet a layered complexity that draws the drinker in. Potential for this wine is immense; a life of 30 to 40 years in cellar should be considered.

The Guigal family owns vineyards in prime locations throughout the Appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage and Saint-Joseph from where their iconic wines are produced. The Guigal cellars are located in the centre of the town of Ampuis, on the right bank of the Rhône River, about 40 km south of Lyon. The Côtes du Rhône region stretches 200 km from Vienne in the north to Avignon in the south. Côtes-du-Rhône is the workhorse red of the southern Rhône Valley and is blended from up to 13 grape varieties, but usually leans heavily on grenache and syrah (Shiraz). Deep, bright, garnet-red in colour, it is a fresh, crisp wine with small soft fruit and spices. A full-bodied, elegant wine, with mellow tannins, warmth and aromatic intensity.

BY.OTT is a refined and elegant wine for any Rosé enthusiast. The blends originate from select vineyards in Côtes de Provence that have been chosen to ensure that the wine is characterized by fruit and freshness, with added finesse and complexity.

This red from France is a great introduction to Bordeaux without the expensive price tag. A deep purple colour with hint of spice and vegetal aromas. The palate is supple and round with notes of plum, leather and spice with a rich, persistent finish.

From the world-famous Chateau de Beaucastel, this medium-bodied, Southern Rhone red is packed with juicy red berry fruits and savoury complexity. Finishing dry, it's a winner with grilled meats.

Château Mouton Rothschild is the work of one man, the legendary Baron Philippe, who is solely responsible for this giant of Bordeaux. Taking charge in 1923 until his death in 1988, he created something the world will always be in debt for. He also started the tradition of getting an artist to design a label for every vintage, a tradition that continues to this day. In 2009, the wine almost transcends perfection. A quite low alcohol percentage given the ripeness of the fruit, the bouquet is reminiscent of cigar box and graphite with violets and cassis playing a part. The palate is both restrained and concentrated, a impressive result indeed. The structure of the wine is hidden somewhat by the exuberant fruit, yet it is that structure that will see this extraordinary wine cellar for the good part of half a century!

Delicate & crisp, Pigoudet Rosé is a balanced blend of traditional varieties of the appellation Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence - Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Yannick Amirault inherited five hectares from his father in 1982 and has since transformed the domaine to one reputable of Bourgueil. The fruit for this Cabernet Franc is sourced from the La Coudraye vineyard situated within the appellation of the famous Loire Valley. The wine has typically great depth, freshness and powerful fruit characteristics. Will reward will medium to long term cellaring.

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.