Chateau Canon shows no shy and retiring character in 2010, set to a naturally ripe and high 15% alcohol. Though power and density is a motif in 2010, there is a surprising suppleness in this wine, born from central St-Emillion vineyards and the same family of wine as Chateau Rauzan-Segla of Margaux. Almost evenly split between Merlot and Cabernet Franc usually, it''s three quarters Merlot in 2010; the wine matures in oak barrel for 18 months, with around 70% of those offering new wood character. While dense and compact, there is a succulence to the wine that suggests cellaring to two decades would be apt.

A legacy since 1734, Champagne Taittinger is the largest eponymous family owned Champagne House and one of the top, independent champagne brands in the world. This family of growers cultivates the second largest vineyard in the Champagne region. The composition of the house’s cuvées is a result of an intuitive and complex process, one which the Taittinger family know how to create and sustain; a Champagne which is completely unique. The Taittinger Comtes Blanc de Blancs 2007 is a lively champagne with a light, abundant bubble. There is a bouquet on the nose of pears and fresh cut flowers and flavours of lemon zest and fresh pineapple. A delicate balance of finesse and aromatic intensity.

Perrier-Jouët's origin story dates back to 1810, when the cork supplier Pierre Nicolas Perrier married Rose Adélaide Jouët and began producing champagne under the name Perrier-Jouët the following year. Adèle focused on vineyards and winemaking while Pierre Nicolas focused on sales and marketing. Shipments to Great Britain began in 1815, followed by the United States in 1837. After Charles Perrier, Henri Gallice and his younger brother Octave became Perrier-Jouët directors. Octave, an art lover, met Emile Gallé in Paris and requested a design for Maison Perrier-Jouët, which became the iconic emblem of the brand. One of the world's oldest champagnes, a Perrier-Jouët vintage 1825, was opened and tasted in 2009. Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1957 to 1963, favoured vintage Perrier-Jouët. This passion has been passed down through the generations, shaping the House's philosophy of creative freedom and unconventional observation of nature. Maison Perrier-Jouët's affinity with the Art Nouveau movement is expressed through the emblematic anemone motif illustrated by Emile Gallé in 1902. Today, the House continues to reinvent luxury by collaborating with artists to create an extravagant universe. Along with their unique legacy, such as the creation of their first brut champagne in 1842 and the iconic floral Cuvée named Belle Epoque Cuvée, Perrier-Jouët also made history with the appointment of the first woman to hold the position of cellar master in 2020. Perrier-Jouët produces a wide range of vintage and non-vintage cuvée, with an annual production of approximately 3,000,000 bottles. The pride of the brand is its prestige label, Belle Epoque. With 266 acres of vineyards situated in the heart of Champagne, Perrier-Jouët maintains control over the quality and consistency of its champagne production. More than half of its vineyards are located in the Grand Crus of Cramant and Avize, allowing Perrier-Jouët to create exceptional champagne that is unparalleled in quality and taste. Today, as a member of the Pernod Ricard group of brands, Perrier-Jouët's legacy of exceptional champagne-making continues to thrive and evolve. Through their dedication to quality and innovation, Perrier-Jouët remains one of the most respected and iconic champagne brands in the world. Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé is a champagne that embodies the free-spirited nature of Maison Perrier-Jouët. With its resolutely original character, this champagne is a true testament to the art of surprise combining rarity and uniqueness in every bottle. First introduced in 1978, Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé is a champagne that is crafted only in exceptional years, ensuring that each vintage is a true masterpiece. This meticulous approach to production guarantees that every bottle is a reflection of the extraordinary conditions that shaped the grapes, resulting in a champagne of unparalleled quality and distinction. What sets Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé apart is not only its limited production but also its ability to captivate and surprise with its distinctive personality. From the moment the cork is popped, this champagne reveals its enchanting allure. Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé Champagne 2010 1.5L is a truly exceptional vintage that showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Maison Perrier-Jouët. Crafted in limited quantities and only in exceptional years, this champagne is a rare gem that captivates with its unique character and elegance. On the nose, Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé Champagne 2010 reveals a delightful bouquet of strawberries, peony, kumquat and white currant These aromas intertwine harmoniously, creating a captivating olfactory experience that sets the stage for the sensory journey to come. Upon the first sip, this champagne delights the palate with notes of pink grapefruit, mandarin, and a touch of spice. The flavors are vibrant and expressive, showcasing the complexity and depth of this exceptional vintage. The balance between freshness and richness is perfectly achieved creating a champagne that is both lively and refined. In the glass, Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé Champagne 2010 presents a shimmering, pastel-toned salmon-pink colour, adding to its visual allure The fine, persistent bubbles dance gracefully creating an enchanting visual display. The finish of Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé Champagne 2010 is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and finesse. Ideal pairings include salmon or tuna cooked on one side only, salmon with cranberry sauce, pigeon or thinly sliced duck breast.

Founded in 1818 by husband and wife Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, the Billecart-Salmon House is rich with history. For nearly two hundred years, the Billecart family has been handing down the secrets to making exceptional champagne from generation to generation. The Champagne House is special for many reasons, but one notable reason is that it is one of very few to remain Family owned. The Billecart-Salmon House covers around 50 hectares, and gets its grapes from a total of 170 hectares of land. Frequently cited for the quality of its vintages, the House pays particular attention to selecting the best grapes.

Now this half bottle is handy if you wish to toast yourself. Pol Roger is one of the world's power house champagne houses. Famously quoted by the likes of Winston Churchill and the champagne of choice for Her Majesty the Queen. An equal blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, with addition of 20% reserve wines. It is impressively fresh and vivacious with more depth than most aperitif styles.

The first release from Champagne Armand de Brignac, the Brut Gold remains the most iconic cuvée in the range. Rich with the old-world tradition of champagne blending, it is a trio of vintages from some of the most lauded terroirs of the region, resulting in a cuvée expressing vibrant and fresh fruit character with a soft texture. The striking gold bottle design and unquestionable quality of the Ace of Spades champagne makes it an exceptional bottle of champagne. A marvellously complex and full bodied champagne with a smooth and lengthy finish. A perfectly balanced blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wine. Aromas of apricot, peach, and red berry are followed by crystalized citrus, hints of brioche, and orange blossom. The palate is rich with cherries, exotic fruits and a touch of honey, lemon, and vanilla. The mouth feel is creamy and soft, with a hint of toastiness, from the unique Armand de Brignac dosage which is aged for one year in French oak barrels.

Majestic, intense, full-bodied and tannic, Cos dEstournel is considered the leading wine of St Estèphe. Highly tannic in its youth, over time it develops much much like the great wines of adjoining Pauillac. A true "super second" growth.