Previously known as Chateau Belair, the name was changed to Belair-Monange upon its full purchase by the Moueix family in 2008. The 12 ha vineyard is planted predominately to Merlot with some Cabernet Franc growing on limestone and clay soils. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and lined concrete tanks prior to undergoing maturation in a mix of new and seasoned barriques for 18 months. A philosophy encompassing reduced yields, later harvesting and meticulous fruit selection have resulted in a richer more generous, concentrated style since 2008.

Investment has served Chateau Malescot St-Exupery well, with better winemaking practices resulting and fruit sources fine-tuned with more detailed viticulture. The estate was purchased by the Zuger family in 1955, with recent generations leading this evolution of the wines. It''s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Petit Verdot as found in the vineyards, though this will vary according to ''house style''. The wines are glossy, pure, finessed in youth and tend to mellow quietly with time in cellar. Expect around 30 years potential for this wine.

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.

LES PENSEES DE LAFLEUR, Second wine of Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol

The Premier Grand Cru Classe Château Figeac has a high percentage of mature cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc vines (40+ years). This gives its wines blackcurrant aromas, robust structure and length. Made by experienced winemaker Frederic Faye, with Michel Rolland, the most famous consultant oenologist in the world, this vintage has the hallmarks of a buoyant Right Bank style.

The harvest began very early, on the 5th September, and lasted 9 weeks. This made is possible to reflect all the diversity of a year in which both flowering and veraison were very spread out. Picking began especially early at Yquem in 2014. Some 25% of the crop was brought in before the 15th of September, providing a rare and precious background of acidity.