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 Beychevelle is a 4th Growth producer known for wines of intensity, depth and brooding nature. The 2010 continues this line but with a suppleness born of the vintage. The estate is set in the very south of the St-Julien appellation and can be some of the more powerful, concentrated wines of the region. Wines spend around 18 months in about 50% new oak for distinction and character. Though having historical ties to aristocracy of France, the current owners of this fine estate are Grands Mill?simesde France. Expect youthful drinking in the next five years and cellar up to 20.

Chateau La Croix de Gay creates this flagship wine, Chateau Lafleur de Gay, with an intent to showcase the depth and power possible from old vine fruit of Pomerol, from their site wedged between Petrus and Lafleur. The cuvee is unique as it is 100% Merlot, a near radical move from estates of Pomerol. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in concrete before the wine is sent to 100% new oak to mature for 18 months. The powerful style sees around only 1000 cases produced a year.