GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO E FIGLIO Monprivato, Barolo DOCG

Preda is nestled between Cannubi and Vignane at the end of the Bussia Valley. Myers’ parcel faces east at the top of the hill, where the thin Sant'Agata soils are laced with a high portion of active lime. It’s this combination of exposure and rocky soils that, in part, allows him to craft such an aromatic, mineral-edged expression of Barolo. The other half of the calculation lies in Myers’ innovative winemaking, for Nebbiolo at least. The winemaking notes read more like Burgundy than Barolo (which, in turn, tells you much of what you need to know about the wine). Myers worked with 55% whole bunches, and the wine spent 18 days on skins. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered after 18 months on fine lees in a thick-staved Garbellotto botti, with no racking and late malolactic fermentation. The wine opens with loads of red fruits, gentle bunchy goodness, some sweetness and all kinds of flowers. A wine built on perfume! It changes quite a bit with air, building depth and dialling up the dark cherry and spice. In short, don’t be in a rush and give it plenty of air. It really made us think of top, old-vine Chambolle—as though Roumier made Barolo! Regardless of who made it, this is one of the most perfumed, silken and downright charming Barolos you’re likely to lay your hands on.

Warm, complex, earthy spice tones with a lovely richness. Powerful yet elegant and ageing beautifully.

Gravel soils make up the primary soil type at Château l'Evangile which is consistent with most of Bordeaux's right bank region of Pomerol. Merlot is the variety of choice in the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine full of plushness, vibrant aromatics and smooth, lingering finish. The 2009 vintage was wonderfully kind of all of Bordeaux and Pomerol was no exception with the l'Evangile producing a wine of plushness and warmth as well as one of concentration and power. A classic Pomerol.

Guigal are one of the cornerstones of the Côte Rôtie appellation after Etienne Guigal founded the estate in 1946, tending vines that have produced world class wines for over 2,000 years. The 2005 Côte Rôtie is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Viognier is a truly remarkable wine from vintage that was considered difficult by many. That is impossible to tell when enjoying a bottle of this 100 Robert Parker pointed Côte Rôtie that is voluptuous and complex. Still tightly wound and a little shy, the 2005 will age easily for 20+ years which should be considered mandatory.

Although this wine is plush, dense and rich, it possesses a compelling percussion and balance. Right up there with Grange and Hill Of Grace as one of Australia's best Shiraz, and from one of the greatest vintages too!