A more serious wine from the Southern Rhone. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault roots grow in reddish, brown soils through limestone and reach deep, deep down. Vinification is traditional in concrete vats with daily pumping over, followed with ageing for six months in old large foudre, then bottled without fining and no filtration. The resulting wine is a triumph and a jewel in the crown for the Rhone.

Recently promoted from AC Village to a fully-fledged Cru (to rank alongside Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Lirac and Chateauneuf-du-Pape), exciting changes are happening in the hamlet of Cairanne. Denis Alary - a quiet thoughtful man and one of the nicest people you are ever likely to meet. The first Alarys arrived to cultivate the vines here in 1692; ten generations on, Denis, supported by his family, produces exceptional wines.

This is one of the gems produced by cult winemaker Elian Da Ros, who learned the art of winemaking at the prestigious Domaine Zind Humbrecht in Alsace before taking over the family vineyard. This luscious red is a blend of half Cabernet Franc, with the rest a split between Merlot and Syrah and matured for 18 months in old oak. Drink young for the sheer enjoyment.

This is a vibrantly aromatic and juicy, red fruited wine, with energy and a refreshing, tangy backbone. The long, spicy finish has plenty to keep you engaged.

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.

While a fair share of Bordeaux vineyards can claim significant historical pedigree, few would be able to touch Chateau Figeac - it is one of a select few St Emilion vineyards to have been continuously occupied for over 2,000 years! The estate dates back to the second century when even the ancient Romans who occupied the area were aware of its outstanding terroir. One figure dominates the Chateaus modern era, and that is Thierry Manoncourt who ran the property from 1947 until his death in 2010, just shy of his 93rd birthday. Under his leadership, the Chateau was the first major Right Bank estate to embrace modern techniques such as temperature controlled, stainless steel vats. The traditional-styled Bordeaux has, understandably, gone through a wide range of iterations in its 2,000-plus year history - yet it still manages to surprise and delight. The 2016 earned rave reviews from critics, with Jancis Robinson hailing it as a wine of which ...the Manoncourt family should be very proud.

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.

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.

An outstanding Cotes de Provence, very elegant, structured and aromatic - the best companion for warm summer nights. On the nose, it smells of fruit, English sweets and redcurrants. On the palate it is fresh and subtle. Overall, it is a structured and aromatic wine best enjoyed as an apertif due to its freshness.

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