LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Saule , Griotte-Chambertin

Founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori and named after the grove of flowering ash trees that surround the winery, the estate over looks the Tyrrhenian Sea with views stretching to islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and as far as Corsica. Sitting adjacent Tenuta San Guido (producer of Sassicaia) this is one of the estates that helped put Bolgehri on the map, along with Lodovicos older brothers Solaia and Tiganello, as well as Sassicaia. There are 3 wines in the range, the flagship Ornellaia; its second label, Le Serre Nuove; and its entry-level gem, Le Volte. Grape Varieties in 2014: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. The 2015 vintage comprised 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot.

Cuvée du Cèdre Clos de Vougeot A blend of fruit from propitiously situated plots, sourced from six different growers, across the largest of all of Burgundys Grand Crus. Intentionally, some are prime real estate, directly behind the château; others, on the lower ebbs of the vineyard. Ponsot sees this as a balancing act. A wealth of black cherry, red currant and plum liqueur, framed by the Clos earthenware tannins. A wine that is consistently rated frumps by the worlds eminent Burgundy commentators, this will only grow in stature with extended patience.

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Cyprès , Charmes-Chambertin

Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). The chateau wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the chateau comes from 3.5 ha planted to Semillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Chateau Haut Brion), the entire estate has been renovated vineyards, winemaking facilities and the chateau itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.

LOKOYA Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Carefully selected from the coveted 2018 South Australian vintage, the wines represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. 802.B varietal composition is close to evenly split with cabernet sauvignon contributing 55% and shiraz 45% of the blend respectively. The components were married immediately post vintage, completing 19 months maturation as a blend in French oak hogsheads.This wine will reward careful cellaring for several decades. An intriguing counterpoint to its American oak sibling.

Chateau Lafite Rothschild is one of the most renowned properties in the Médoc. Owned by Baron Eric de Rothschild and located in the north of the Pauillac appellation, Lafite Rothschild is also one of the largest Médoc estates. It has 95 hectares of vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Lafite Rothschild's vineyards lie on deep gravel beds (up to 5 metres thick) over marl and limestone. Of all the Médoc Grand Crus, Lafite Rothschild can be the most beguiling and difficult to understand. It is never the most powerful, yet, along with Margaux, possesses the most exquisite bouquet of any Médoc wine. It has the elegance, balance and harmony that epitomises claret at its very best.