PENFOLDS Special Bin 111A Shiraz, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley It is a tradition at Penfolds to experiment, research and develop new wines. The large number of mostly one-off, bin-numbered wines produced, beginning in the 1950s, initially shows a company diversifying away from its core business of fortified wines. In the 1960s, the primary aim was to make show wines, but the program also resulted in the development of current-day staples like Bin 707 and Bin 389 and, more recently, of Bin 407, RWT Shiraz and Yattarna Chardonnay. In effect, the first two Special Bin wines were the then-experimental 1951 Grange and the control wine Max Schubert made alongside it so he could see what the wine would be like matured in a single, old 4500 litre cask rather than the new, 300 litre American oak barrels in which he put the real Grange.That wine is now forgotten, but, said Schubert (in 1979): It did... set the guidelines for the production and marketing of a whole range of special red wines which have been sought after, vintage by vintage, to this day. Schuberts successors, the late Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, continued the tradition, making small-batch wines (1000 dozen or less) for comparison with existing styles, to try out something new in the way of varietal or regional combinations or simply to spotlight a brilliant parcel of fruit. Some may be forgotten in time, but others are considered among the greatest Australian wines of all time.

One of the two Grand Crus from this iconic Domain, this one the wilder of the family. The soils here are on gentler slopes, (less well-drained, less quickly warmed by the sun) than their stablemates. This lends the Bonnes-Mares a distinctive individuality in the portfolio. It is more purple, rather than ruby, and takes its energy from structure, rather than minerality. It's "unconventional and free-thinking says vigneron Eric Bourgogne.

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.

Created in homage of Louise Pommery, daughter of Madame Pommery, Cuvée Louise is a wine of exceptional and absolute purity which expresses the quintessence of the knowhow of the Maison Pommery.Cuvée Louise finds its origin within three grands crus; Avize, Cramant and Aÿ - true gems of the Champagne region.1995 was an exceptional year. The colour of this vintage in the glass is pale yellow reflecting the wines delicacy. Endless strings of fine bubbles enliven the wine. The nose is captivating; it reveals a fine and pure aromatic richness as well as delicacy and freshness. The Chardonnay grape is strongly present, expressing distinction and complexity. Notes of citrus fruit are combined with slightly spicy end notes. The wine flows without sharpness or excessive roundness. The finesse and delicacy produce a pure and wonderful taste.

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Frêne, Chambertin-Clos de Beze

LAURENT PONSOT Grand Cru Cuvée du Merisier , Clos Saint-Denis

Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). The chateau wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the chateau comes from 3.5 ha planted to Semillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Chateau Haut Brion), the entire estate has been renovated vineyards, winemaking facilities and the chateau itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.

For some, the exquisite Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue' Musigny Grand Cru 2009 represents the pinnacle of red wine achievment in Burgundy. A special feature of de Vogüé is that their Musigny is called Musigny Vieilles Vignes old vines. For this wine, only vines 25 years or older are used. The average age is usually over 40 years.