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!

Cos d'Estournel remains today one of the true icons of Bordeaux, and the trademark of Saint Estèphe. With it's pagoda like house (as it's one of the rare Bordeaux's without a Château) it is a must visit for all travelling along the route des châteaux. Always of great reputation, the wines soared in esteem throughout the tenure of Bruno Prats through 1971 to 1998 and continue to this day with their Cabernet Sauvignon based wines of extreme purity and elegance. The 2009 vintage will be highly sought after with the conditions in the left bank region at their very best. Showing a more riper, plump fruit nature than the usual masculine, long-lived trademark, this years Cos will be quick out the door.

Michel Chapoutier has been able to do it again! A savoury masterpiece from the southern Rhône appellation of Luberon. A spicy blend of Grenache and Syrah that displays intense varietal characters of nutmeg and black pepper. The palate, while medium-bodied, is quite forceful with robust flavours of blueberry and blackberry fruits. Great use of older oak has also assisted this Luberon be a brilliant follow on from the every popular Chapoutier Côteaux-du-Tricastin.

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.

Château Brane-Cantenac sits in a prime position on the plateau of Cantenac and makes full use of its excellent terroir. No doubt something that Baron de Brane was aware of and along with his viticultural talents were the reasons behind the estates rise to fame. Now tended by the Lurton family, the wines continue to be in great hands. Of the 2009 vintage, Henri Lurton is known to have said that the winery was enveloped in aromas of raspberry and blackberry even before fermentation began! Even though fruit ripeness is an obvious trait, the balance and structure of the wine are also clearly evident which will see the wine age for a decade or two more.

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 .

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 family behind DBR Lafite has been producing wine in Bordeaux since 1868. Their understanding of Bordeaux has been culminating over six generations, driven by the purpose of allowing wine lovers all over the world to be able to dive into the originality of the varied appellations and terroirs with confidence. DBR Lafite is also B-Corp certified, demonstrating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The wines of the Saga R range serve as the reference point of each appellation, with a focus on expressing the freshness and elegance that make Bordeaux great. For Saga R Bordeaux Rouge, there is a higher proportion of Merlot (70%) with remainder of the blend (30%) sourced from well-exposed slopes suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. The Bordeaux tradition of blending these grapes is followed to make a more harmonious wine, and no oak is to preserve the purity of the fruit. A gorgeous bright, crimson purple in appearance, with aromas of dark berries (blackberries, blackcurrants) and Morello cherries. The palate is dense, harmonious and balanced with an aromatic, spicy finish of liquorice. Wonderfully fresh, with richness and excellent drinkability.

Reputed to be the leading star of the ''Super Seconds'' of Bordeuax, Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is set over 50 hectares of vineyards in the south of St-Julien. The wine is composed from predominately Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with lesser influence from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and spends around 18 months in half new and half seasoned oak barriques. The 2010 vintage has conspired to produce what could arguably called one of the greatest releases of this wine, resplendent with fine, firm tannin, subtle oak, quiet power and a capacity to cellar for another half century.

Chateau Peymouton is a part of the famed Chateau Laroque, situated about 3.5km east of the medieval town of Saint Emilion. When 27 hectares of Chateau Laroque was elevated to Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé status in 1996, the remaining 31 hectares on the property was designated as Chateau Peymounton - a new Saint Emilion Grand Cru. The Chateau Peymouton parcels are situated on the higher part of the property's plateau, where the soil is composed of fine clay over a limestone base. The wine is made by the same team as Chateau Laroque with the same attention to detail. A blend of 72% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an average vine age of 38 years. Deep dark crimson red, with complex aromatics of blue fruit, cigar box, and hints of violets. Very rich and powerful on the palate, with plush, dense, velvety tannins. A complex, richly flavoured Saint Emilion reflecting its Grand Cru status and the warm vintage.