Château d'Arche is an important part of Sauternes history with winemaking dating back to the 16th century. New treatments to the wines including maturing the wine for at least two years in casks, 40% of which are new help produce a wine of utmost concentration. The 2009 d'Arche is a seriously powerful wine with copious characters of marmalade, apricot and dense pineapple. Capturing the vintage perfectly, this is a Sauternes that requires a deeply flavoured cheese accompaniment.

A truly serious Bordeaux from the Saint Estephe appellation in the Northern Medoc. Dominated by tannin and acid at the moment, it will fill out to reveal all it's velvety richness in years to come.

Crimson in colour with a delicate shimmer. Powerful nose with subtle scents of high grade wood and baking spices, with an attractively fresh note of menthol. Rich and balanced on the palate. A well-managed aging process adds an appealing earthiness, with flavours of wild berries and mahogany. Long and elegant on the finish with molten tannins and the freshness so characteristic of this great wine

DOMAINE MASSON-BLONDELET Clos du Château Paladi, Pouilly-Fume

A great expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with plenty of tomato vine and flinty character, with a lick of passionfruit and stonefruit. Ripe and expressive, with great citrus characters. Great weight and texture.

DOMAINE BARMES BUECHER Riesling Clos Sand Grand Cru

Organic. As always, this was drawn from mature, 35- to 40-year-old vines rooted entirely in the limestone soils of Chavignol. The multiple sites are largely sloping vineyards on the lower flanks of the Chavignol hillside terroirs of Les Chasseignes, Les Longues Fins and La Rue de Vaux. Importantly, Boulay also includes fruit from his younger vines growing on the great hillsides of Clos de Beaujeu, Monts Damnés and La Grande Côte. The juice was naturally fermented and aged for nine months in tank on lees, with a small volume also fermented in a single large wooden cask.