An intricately layered palate structure of ripe fruit and oak flavours seamlessly combined by maturation in barrels. Ripe dark berries, hints of dusty mulberry and spicy plums with subtle vanilla, mocha and chocolate oak flavours are richly interwoven. Fine grained, softly assertive tannins complement lingering flavours. Drinking at its peak, a great statement of luxury Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Replacing the Petit Chapelle cuvee and first made in 2015, the 2016 Hermitage La Maison Bleue is smoking good. Black fruits, charcoal, powdered rock, currants and chocolate notes all give way to a big, concentrated, impressively structures barrel sample that has tons of potential. I expect the tannin will have integrated by the time this is released, but a few years of bottle age still recommended." - Jeb Dunnuck

CABERNET SAUVIGNON has been produced in our vineyards with a reduced yield. It is distinguished with an intense ruby-red colour, soothing fruity aromas with an after-point of vanilla and gillyflower infused by oak during its ripening. The taste is firm with an expressed structure, followed by a soft and harmonious aftertaste.

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.

With a name like George Smith, you could be mistaken for thinking this vineyard was on the northern side of the 'channel', but alas, it resides in Pessac-Léognan in France's famed Bordeaux region. Bought by the Englishman in 1720, the wine still bears his name. The red wine that comes out of the estate is one of aromatics and spiciness and of recent times, more opulence and fruit weight.