Château Certan-de-May is a wonderul, quaint vineyard with only 5 hectares under vine that produce a rich, smooth and fleshy Merlot dominated wine. Located right in the heart of the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux's right bank, this vineyard enjoys the same soil as it's neighbour, the acclaimed Château Cheval Blanc. The 2009 vintage release of the Certan is a bruising, black fruited beast that is slightly overpowering to some degree early in its life, yet for those who like their Merlot's with a bit of power, this is your Pomerol. Give it 5 to 10 years in the cellar though and all parties are sure to revel in this succulent masterpiece.

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.

Kanopkop's Kadette is a a blend of Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that is full bodied and concentrated. It is a fantastic ambassador for South African wines and drinks well with spicy meat dishes.

Vivid rosé colour and beautifully luminous, Veuve du Vernay Brut Rose sports red berry scents on the nose, with sweet raspberry aromas. Fleshy and balanced, this Rosé shows on the palate similar fruity notes as the nose, with some lingering acidity on the finish. A most enticing wine.

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 .

PENFOLDS II x Dourthe Cabernet Shiraz, France, Australia

Made by Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné, one of the flagship producers of France's Rhone Valley - a vast Mediterranean region with an incredible diversity of landscapes and grape varieties. This Syrah is the perfect expression of its region: southern in character yet fresh, dense, and fruit-driven. Bright ruby red in appearance with an expressive nose of ripe red fruit and blueberries, complimented by spicy and floral notes. The palate is smooth and generous, dominated by flavours of black cherries. An excellent representation of the freshness of fruit and complex, peppery spice that can be found in Rhone Syrah.

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.

Although Bandol produces the most serious red wines in Provence, it still isn't a particularly well known appellation, and chances are most people haven't even heard of Bandol. This intriguing wine is a blend of Mourvèdre (80%) and a dash of Cinsault (15%) and old vine Carignan (5%).