PENFOLDS II x Dourthe Cabernet Shiraz, France, Australia

Laurent Ponsots new company is a stage in a wide-ranging project that began four decades ago. In this different format, Laurent Ponsot continues to use his experience, his craftsmanship and his passion to serve the terroir of Burgundy. The company Laurent Ponsot is neither a domain nor a maison: its a state of mind. To create an exceptional wine is the equivalent of designing luxury goods. Haute couture is how we have decided to describe these incredible wines, like unique designer pieces, made even more glorious through our experience and craftsmanship. In 775 Emperor Charlemagne donated this vineyard to a Catholic institution in Saulieu, which kept it for the next 1000 years! Laurent Ponsot SAS sources its grapes from these three villages via six different producers, making a wine representative of the appellation whose richness is derived from its diversity. The wines are finely chiselled, precise, and rich with the scent of flowers and minerals. Match with fish, shellfish or a cheese platter to perfectly showcase their qualities.

SHAFER VINEYARDS Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Complex aromas of red and black fruit, graphite and black truffle with faint marine influence as it unfolds in a glass. Medium-bodied on the palate with brambly note underneath the core of blueberry, acai and boysenberry fruit. Firm tannin with impressive backbone and loads of licorice, bay, tobacco and black tea flavours fill in through the finish.

Carruades de Lafite, the second wine of the esteemed Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux, France, exemplifies the winery's commitment to excellence and offers a compelling expression of the Pauillac appellation. Sourced from the same vineyards as its grand vin counterpart, Carruades de Lafite showcases a refined and approachable style, characterized by elegant fruit flavors, harmonious structure, and a notable sense of finesse. While it may not possess the same depth and longevity as the grand vin, it remains a highly regarded and sought-after wine, providing wine enthusiasts with a captivating glimpse into the renowned heritage of Château Lafite Rothschild.

"Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 19.5%, Cabernet Franc 3%, and Petit Verdot 0.5% This is Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy’s first solo vintage here after Philippe Dhalluin’s retirement. The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is up again; there’s more of an architectural feel than usual. The grand vin had a much stricter selection, so some of its historic parcels are now in this blend. This feels very Cabernet-driven, with notes of lead pencil contributing to a sturdy, spicy bouquet. The tannins are certainly ripe, adding a sense of restraint. This will become quite an interesting wine, presenting a different facet than usual, although it’s not one to be kept very long-term."