Château Latour is the epitome of power and bold concentration that is Pauillac. With a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, the brilliant close knit tannin complimenting the vibrant cassis driven fruit is something to behold. It is often said that buyers of Latour worry about the wines they purchase will outlive them quite considerably such is the pedigree of such a wine. This is a definite concern for the 2009 vintage which is being reported as being the very best in living memory. The wine itself is a masterclass in concentration and power only with a robust and joyful front and mid-palate. Notes of blackberry and dark plum dance along with secondary characters of subtle oak and pencil shavings. A rambunctuous back palate that is almost thick and viscous that is truly forboding. Robert Parker Jnr has been quoted as saying

A fascinating look at a fresh and lively Austrian red wine. Zweigelt grapes grown on various sites in the village of Heideboden in Austria's Burgenland. Wild yeast fermented and matured for 12 months in used barriques to produce this Heideboden Zweigelt by Pittnauer.

The old school of the UK wine market have long loved the wines of Chateau Talbot, and the 2010 would have them purring. Chateau Talbot is a producer that occupies a large (102 hectares) swathe of land under vine in Medoc and makes wines that are set to a more traditional style, including rich wood scents, firm tannins, some rustic charm and a cassis-meets-violet fruit profile. This is a superb release of the wine, reminscent of classic Talbots that are sinewy when young, but still approachable, and for enthusiasts, glorious with cellar time.

Light bodied with the aroma and flavour of red berries, this easy drinking, sweet red is perfectly suited to quaffing on those alfresco occasions - with or without food.

Bahans Haut Brion is the second wine of the famous Chateau Haut Brion of Pessac Léognan and is usually excellent buying, at only a fraction of the price of its bigger brother. Fruit forwards, soft round stylish offering hints of figs, plums, black currants, cherries and minerals.. Soft with supple tannins.

Château Lanessan continues to be a true bargain in the Bordeaux world. Lanessan produces wines that at first seem firm, but flesh out with marvellous fruit with good richness. Lanessan is also a very consistant producer, creating wines of quality from questionable vintages. The great thing is that you don't have to worry too much about 'questionable' vintage when looking at this superb 2009. The Bordeaux Gods have definitely been smiling on communes and produced wines of utmost concentration and power. Lanessan did not miss out with the licquorice, spice and blackcurrant rich wine that will reward the Bordeaux bargain hunter for the next decade or more.

A famous 5th growth Bordeaux from the classic appellation of Pauillac that has undergone many name changes over its life. Starting life as Mouton d'Armailhac before changing in 1956 to Mouton Baron Philippe which changed to Baronne to commemorate the Baron's second wife. In 1991, the Baron's daughter decided to give the Château an original name to separate it from the other Mouton's and Château d'Armailhac was born. Situated across the road from the famous Mouton, the estate is run separately, but with equal care. Wines of great concentration and intensity are produced, as one would expect from such pedigree. The 2009 is the perfect example of this with a wine of fantastic intensity and concentration. One of the finest d'Armailhac's is living memory, swathes of blueberry, roasted meats and espresso coffee characters are present early and will only further develop with careful ageing over the next 20 years.

An attractive fruit driven style made in a 'medium dry' style that is nice and soft on the palate with a long smooth finish.

While it is true that lovers of Pauillac wines can sometimes be divided over their love of the wines from Lynch-Bages, it will go without question that the wines produced from the magnificent 2009 vintage are sure to be coveted by all. Vintage conditions were simply perfect and have allow this Pauillac producer to embrace its love of plush, fruit forward wines and yet deliver a wine of immense power and structure.

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!