Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is often labelled as the brand that kick started the Kiwi Sav Blanc revolution. Without doubt it is seen as an international benchmark Sav Blanc noted for its vibrant aromatics, layers of pure fruit flavours and fine structure.

The Triolet blend, first produced at this vineyard in 1987, was inspired by the white wines of Graves, Bordeaux. Each variety is picked at optimum ripeness, and is usually fermented separately. The characteristics of optimum ripeness are different for each variety. We pick the Sauvignon blanc after the strong herbaceous flavours have disappeared, the Semillon when the acid is not too harsh, and the Muscadelle when the flavour intensity peaks.

Pristine concentration and complexity of favour are the hallmarks of Simmonet-Febvre, a revered maker in Chablis. Stonefruits and ruby grapefruit with grilled nuts, owing no doubt to Simmonet-Febvre's insistence on ageing their Premier-Cru wines on lees for over a year. Has all the zippy-freshness you would expect from a high-level Chablis.

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is a blend of 20 per cent light column distilled rums with 80 per cent pot still rums aged up to 12 years, a proportion of which are rums from exceptional barrels which are used in Master Blender Tito Cordero's secret preparation. Although he won't reveal the ages of the rums used he has disclosed that he mixes these exceptional rums with a little cane sugar prior to blending with the main body of rums to amplify their flavour so they impart a slight touch of sweetness and a distinctive flavour to the finished rum.

Made from an infusion of more than 20 different herbs, roots, and tree barks, the recipe from 1832 was by a Capucine monk named Vincislao who had prepared this elixir in 1700s. It can be enjoyed either straight or with soda, or in cocktails. Perfect after your meal as a digestive.

The citrus rind and grapefuit lead the palate to an overall fine yet textural journey. Cape Mentelle Chardonnay had this distinctive minerally line too, apparent with focussed refreshing acidity. Faint nuancesof soft nougat and cashews also add to what is a harmonious balance and an elegant and length finish.

Nectarine and white peach, textured mid palate, acid and oak to close.

Margaret River is a world renowned Chardonnay producing region and Pierro can rightfully stake a claim as to why. Incredibly complex, it is a tangle of fine-boned acid, lees complexity, pristine fruit and the most detailed use of good quality oak. Extremely enjoyable now, but will benefit from short to medium term cellaring.

A complex array of melon fig and cashew aromas is followed by a typically elegant and subtle palate with beautifully integrated oak. Petaluma had set a benchmark in Australian Chardonnay.