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.

Bright straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of gooseberry and citrus mix with grassy asparagus characters and smoky flint like notes. Nicely rounded yet fresh in the mouth, herbaceous gooseberry, citrus and asparagus flavours overlay grassy and gun smoke infused back drop. Finishes dry with lively acidity that lends tension and mid length aftertaste. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Alc. 13%

Château Lanessan continues to be a true bargain in the Bordeaux world. Lanessan produces wines that at first seem firm, but flesh out with marvellous fruit with good richness. Lanessan is also a very consistant producer, creating wines of quality from questionable vintages. The great thing is that you don't have to worry too much about 'questionable' vintage when looking at this superb 2009. The Bordeaux Gods have definitely been smiling on communes and produced wines of utmost concentration and power. Lanessan did not miss out with the licquorice, spice and blackcurrant rich wine that will reward the Bordeaux bargain hunter for the next decade or more.

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.