From a 37-acre vineyard, Château Pavie Macquin is stunningly situated on the clay-limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion on the right bank of Bordeaux. 2010 has produced a formidable wine: a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a top release of the harvest year and a highlight from St-Émillion in 2010. Tannins, restraint and inward concentration are motifs, this is a wine for the patient, sophisticated collector who wishes to embellish a cellar with pedigree wines that need time and maturity to come to the fore.
The balancing act of Chateau Montrose sees 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and for the first time an inclusion from the recently purchased vineyard parcel of Phelan Segur. Chateau Montrose is considered a top producer from St-Estephe, known for potential in cellaring and considered unique for its style, which is set to 'vin de garde' wines. The estate property is set on gravel-based soils and sits in what is conisdered a microclimate, also conspiring in the unique perfumes, composition and forimdable structure of these wines. 2010 has been spectacular for Montrose power and presence, and will be a worthy wine to drink in a decade to 75 years.
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste produce some of the best value wines in the Pauillac region, if not simply some of the best quality in general. Cabernet based reds are their staple and generally produce wines of a robust and masculine nature. In recent years the wines are close to rivalling the famed Pichons .
Chateau Leoville-Poyferre''s reputation as a 2nd growth of note has been buoyed by the engagement of renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, whose work has been an influence at the estate since the mid 1990s. Prior, the reputation had struggled until the 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, whose labour has helped create a greater reputation, more befitting the Leoville name. The wine has increasingly become one of the finest modern examples of St-Julien, with a move towards later harvests, fuller body, deeper concentration and exceptional length of flavour. 2010 reinforces that Chateau Leoville-Poyferre is a St-Julien wine to relish and cellar for up to and beyond another 30-plus years.
From the smallest parcel of the Leoville estate, comes Chateau L?oville-Barton, a once mid-tier level 2nd Growth that has accelerated in quality and interest since the reinvigoration of current proprietor Anthony Barton in the mid 1980s. The rich, gravel-and-clay soils host a predominately Cabernet Sauvignon base of vines, though Merlot and Cabernet Franc also factor. New oak use is kept to around 50%, and the wines are notable for their purity yet power. 2010 is no exception, with a wine that drives with authority across the palate, while providing the baseline for a long time of pleasurable cellaring. Rightfully called one of the most exciting producers of St-Julien.
A small batch Anejo named after founder Don Julio Gonzalez-Frausto Estrada, who first distilled Tequila at the age of just 17 in 1942. Aged for at least 30 months in American white-oak, this is a remarkably smooth and incredibly complex Tequila with notes of tropical fruit, agave and a hint of cinnamon spice. Day of the Dead is one of Mexicos most celebrated national holidays. This unique celebration of cultural diversity is celebrated through decoration, and an abundance of fantastic quality food and tequila. Tequila connoisseurship has shifted up a gear, away from the well-worn triple-threat of salt, lime and shot. Makers are now experimenting with different production styles, and revellers are loving the results. With the Day of the Dead celebration kicking off on the 31st of October, now is the time to embrace tequila, the spirit crafted in Mexico from the agave blue weber plant.
The Hakushu Distillery is know as the 'Mountain Forest Distillery' as it stands amidst fresh streams and lush forests. Built with the notion, 'Coexisting with nature', a bird sanctuary was set up to help preserve the natural environment, thus preserving the pristine water that goes into creating the whisky. The 12 year old single malt whisky has a crisp and vibrant taste and can be enjoyed on neat, on the rocks or with ice and soda water.
Prosper Delord was a travelling distiller who upon discovering Armagnac fell in love with the spirit and decided to start Maison Delord in 1893. Today Jerome and Sylvain Delord, Propers great grandchildren continue the tradition with the same passion, knowledge and love that has been handed down through the generations.