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Chateau Lascombes is a second grand cru classé of Margaux, renowned for producing perfumed elegant wines which gain greater depth and complexity with cellaring. The 118 ha vineyard of the Chateau is one of the largest and most fragmented in the area with plots spread across the Margaux appellation. Plantings comprise 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot anchored predominantly on gravel, clay and sand soils. The wine is vinified in a combination of wood and stainless steel vats and then aged in 80% new French oak barriques for 18 months. Serious investment both in the vineyard and winery has led to a notable renaissance in quality in recent years.

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. From some of the oldest vines in the region, the 2016 has been lauded as one of the Chateaus best, with Neal Martin hailing it as perhaps the best that I have tasted in almost 20 years of tasting at this estate.

Like the Command block, which is an amazing resource to the Elderton Estate, the Ashmead block has consistently produced small parcels of excellent quality fruit. The vineyard was almost destroyed in 1997 to make way for higher yielding vines, however the family made the decision to promote the vineyard to a higher destiny thus the Ashmead.

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.

Our 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense crimson colour. The nose reveals aromas of mixed spices, dark fruits, and toasty French oak. The palate is deep and powerful; showing a ripe spectrum of red to dark fruits combined with star anise, clove, and allspice. The finish is incredibly long, with firm but fine tannins. We consider our 2010 vintage to be the most complete and complex Cabernet Sauvignon produced at Woodlands.

Concentration is the key word for this wine. Super ripe fruit, dense and rich, matured for an extended time in toasty new oak. Complex, vibrant aromas of violets, plums, blackberries and cassis with dried rosemary, thyme and oregano nuances, and a hint of beef stock, cedar and star anise spice. The palate is powerful yet incredibly finely structured with layers of plums, blackberries and red currants, guided by elegant acidity and tannins that integrate with the fruit and lead to a long, fine, beguiling finish. Exceptional vintage, 25+ years (from vintage).

Chris Ringland Limit Lodge Cabernet Mataro is a blend of exceptional fruit from exceptional vineyards, a new style from winemaker Chris Ringland and grape grower Adrian Hoffmann. The name Limit Lodge comes from a historical parcel within the Hoffmann vineyards, and is also appropriate given the limited number of bottles made. Matured in aged French oak, this is a juicy Cabernet blend rich in dark, plummy fruits with savoury notes of bittersweet chocolate, coffee, and anise. The finish is long with mouth-coating tannins, and a slight salinity. Plenty of potential for ageing.

Dont miss this rare chance to secure a magnificent wine from a top producer thats in seriously short supply. Made by an acclaimed winemaker at the top of their game, this is a slice of wine history you dont want to miss. Add it to your collection while you can.

POOLEY Cooinda Vale Oronsay Pinot Noir, Coal River Valley, Tasmania