Les Forts de Latour is the wonderful second label of the famous Château Latour of Pauillac. Les Forts lacks none of the legendary power and concentration of its elder brother although it is approachable at a much earlier age. Rich Cabernet influence dominates this wine that comes from Latour fruit that doesn't make the grand vin as well as the younger vine material. The 2009 is considered one of the truly great vintages in living memory and it is in these years that secondary wines like this Forst de Latour really shine. Value and pedigree all wrapped in one package!

Guigal are one of the cornerstones of the Côte Rôtie appellation after Etienne Guigal founded the estate in 1946, tending vines that have produced world class wines for over 2,000 years. The 2005 Côte Rôtie is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Viognier is a truly remarkable wine from vintage that was considered difficult by many. That is impossible to tell when enjoying a bottle of this 100 Robert Parker pointed Côte Rôtie that is voluptuous and complex. Still tightly wound and a little shy, the 2005 will age easily for 20+ years which should be considered mandatory.

Deep red garnet with violet highlights. Ripe fruits and powerful tannins, mellow, stewed blackberries, can be cellared for a considerable time.

Regarded by many as a candidate for wine of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. A huge accolade indeed for La Mission Haut-Brion considering the quite phenomenal wines being released. The 2009 can boast a colour that is almost impenetrable and a exciting bouquet of blackberry, truffles and spicy earth. The concentration of the palate is something to behold itself. A vinosity that is hard to find elsewhere, the flavours in the mouth follow on from the nose in nice order, yet the sheer power of the wine quite extraordinary. Layers of flavours continue throughout the palate and continue well into its length. Will no doubt be in short supply as all clamour to get a piece of this Bordeaux masterpiece.

The second wine of Chateau Mouton Rothschild was first released in 1993. Le Petit Mouton takes its name from a small house next to the main Chateau, the official residence of Baron Philippe Rothschilds wife and family. The Chateaus modern age began in 1922 producing vintages through what were, at the time, cutting-edge techniques; though seen as revolutionary at the time, many of these methods are still in use today. This includes the groundbreaking concept of bottling all wine on the estate, allowing for an unprecedented level of control over the Bordeaux sold from Mouton-Rothschild.

Te Matas Hawkes Bay estate is a prestigious winery with a rich history, producing some of New Zealands most celebrated wines. If the Langtons Classification crossed the Tasman, Te Mata Coleraine would sit alongside Grange at its very pinnacle. Established, esteemed, outstanding vintage after vintage, the glowing adjectives come thick and fast.

PENFOLDS II x Dourthe Cabernet Shiraz, France, Australia