In the winery: Matured for 20 months in new French barriques, Hungarian, French and American hogsheads. In the glass: Inky dark red. On the nose: Ripe dark fruit, a hint of mint, toasty oak and cedary development.On the palate: Intense black fruit power melding well with deluxe mocha oak a rich, dense and complex reserve style with tight, grainy tannins and spicy acidity.

Guigal is one of the powerhouses of the Rhône and a name synonymous with beautifully crafted wines from some of the regions finest vineyard sites. Deep dark red. Spices and mature red fruits. Round tannins with powerful complexity. A rich unctuous wine with notes of mature plums, hazelnuts and red fruits. Overall: Very rich wine full of harmony and balance.

This 25-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classe estate, perched on the highest plateau of St Émilion, is one of the jewels of the right bank. Made with the assistance of Michel Rolland, this opulent and generously proportioned Bordeaux, with dark plum praline flavours and chocolatey tannins, is one of the top wines of this vintage.

While the estate known as Chateau Haut-Bailly dates back to 1461, its wine production began in 1530, falling into the hands of the de Leuvarde and Le Bailly families in 1630. It was purchased in 1998 by Robert G Wilmers, a Harvard-educated banker, and his French wife Elisabeth and under their care, the estate has begun producing some of the best wines in its history. The cellars and production procedures were renovated and modernised and this year, the Chateau itself was awarded government recognition of its cultural and vinious heritage.

Grappa Ornellaia distinguishes itself for its colour, its excellent aromas, its elegant structure (aided by its refinement in barriques) and for its great personality. The Ornellaia Estate was founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, very close to the Castello di Bolgheri in Tuscany. Their philosophy revolves around an obsession for excellence. This obsession is followed at all levels of production - no shortcuts allowed! At Ornellaia, the concept of environmental sustainability is of utmost importance. The vineyards are all farmed organically, and a program of increasing soil health is in place. Since 2005, Ornellaia Estate has been owned by the Frescobaldi family. For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscanys terroir, being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region.