Quantum is the continuation of a twenty-year endeavour from when Australian vine cuttings were planted in California soil. A Wine of the World that encapsulates a bold blending alliance, Quantum reveals a wine that shows wisdom, crafted with conviction and embedded in the “quality-first” philosophy that underpins Penfolds flagships. Northern and southern hemispheres bring prized Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and pedigreed Shiraz from South Australia. Beautiful dark chocolate, blackberry aromas with roasted chestnut, apricot, chinotto, truffle notes. The Quantum is a densely concentrated wine with dark chocolate, dark berries, malty oak, lovely mid-palate richness and fine loose-knit supple gravelly tannins. It finishes firm and tight with a beautiful inky plume.

A 1st Growth of the highest order, Château Margaux is one of the original 1st growths classified in the Médoc and is arguably the most important of the region. Producing only some 33,000 cases of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaux consistently produces wines that are among the finest examples of the vintage. 2009 is regarded as one of the finest in recent memory in the region and 'normal' wines form the Margaux appellation are being heralded as truly exceptional. One can only speculate how magnificent the Château Margaux will be in 15-20 years time, if one can be patient enough!

Regarded a Super Second (but technically a 3me growth), Palmer is capable of producing wines that equal or even outstrip the quality of its famous Premier cru neighbour, Ch. Margaux. Named for the wealthy English military man who bought the estate in the early 19th century, Palmer is now majority owned by the Mahler Besse and Sichel families - famous Bordeaux negociants. Many of the best plots on the property were purchased after the Classification of 1855, explaining in part why Palmer did not warrant higher standing at that time. Certainly today there is no question that the wine is among Bordeauxs best. The estate also makes a separate second label - named Alter Ego - which is made from similarly high quality fruit but treated differently in the winery with the aim of producing a counterpoint in style to the First wine.

One of the very greatest estates of Bordeaux, Château Mouton Rothschild is in the commune of Pauillac in the Haut-Medoc, 50km north-west of the city of Bordeaux. Its Chateau wine or grand vin is among the worlds most highly-rated and expensive. Excluded from the highest rank (Premier Cru or First Growth) of the famous Bordeaux Classification of 1855, Mouton was finally promoted in 1973 after decades of lobbying by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who ran the estate from 1922 until his death in 1988. Mouton was first in the region to bottle at the estate, rather than shipping its wine to merchants for bottling elsewhere. Since 1924 artists including Braque, Dali, Picasso, Henry Moore, Miro, Chagall, Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Lucian Freud have been commissioned to produce label images. Mouton, uniquely among the First Growths, remains in the hands of the same family as it was at the time of the 1855 Classification. The vineyards are on slopes with gravel-based soils leading down to the Gironde estuary and total 75ha 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The Chateau wine is (unusually) fermented in large oak vats and then matured in new oak barrels for between 19 and 22 months. Total production of the grand vin is 20,000 dozen or less. There is a second wine, Le Petit Mouton, established in 1993. The grand vin is noted for its flamboyance exotic, powerful aromas of cassis, minerals, tobacco leaf and graphite, an opulent palate and impressive length of flavour.

Château Lafleur is a tiny 4.5-hectare Pomerol property located opposite Pétrus and producing wines of comparable quality. It is owned and run by Sylvie and Jacques Guinadeau. While the majority of great Bordeaux châteaux have changed hands over the past several generations, Château Lafleur remains in the same family hands to this day. Its vineyards are situated on the gravel-rich Pomerol plateau and adjoin those of La Fleur-Pétrus. The soils here are particularly deep and are enriched by deposits of potassium and iron. Only natural fertilisers are used and yields are painfully low, even by Pomerol standards. Lafleur's wine is typically a blend of Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Franc (50%). It is aged in small oak barrels (50% new) for 18 months. Wines from Lafleur display a spectacularly intense perfume (partly attributable to the high percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend) and display layers and layers of concentrated, black fruits, minerals, tobacco spices and creamy liquorice on the palate. The best vintages can last for up to 50 years.

Chateau Angélus is one of the most renowned estates of St-Emilion, currently designated Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the most recent classification of St-Emilion. Located due west of the town of St-Emilion, the estate’s vineyards lie on a warm south-facing slope. The Grand Vin is a dense and unctuous blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, matured in 85-100% new French oak barriques for 18-22 months. Complex and concentrated, Chateau Angélus can appear slightly austere when young, developing greater generosity and richness with age.

Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer's most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house's dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible. Cristal is available in standard and rosé formats, with the latter being less common. The standard vintage Cristal wine is made from the house's best vineyard plots and is a blend of approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Some parts of the blend are aged in barrels. Cristal rosé is also made from similar proportions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the Pinot Noir is left on skins for a longer time before pressing. Around 20% of the wine is aged in large format oak, resulting in a light rosé colour with hints of onion skin. Cristal wines are also available under the Vinothèque label, which undergoes late disgorging, extended lees aging, and further cellaring in the Louis Roederer cellars in the bottle. Louis Roederer's Cristal Rose Vinothèque 2002 is a unique and exclusive offering that was created to give wine lovers the chance to experience a little bit of the magic of this hidden collection. The wines are stored in ideal conditions, preserving their purity, fruit and the surprising brightness typical of Cristal. Cristal Vinothèque is the end result of a project that offers a wine of eternal youth, displaying all the characteristics of a poised, elegant wine of astonishing character. Aged on its lees for around 10 years before disgorgement, then stored on its cork for a further 10 years, it is a product of time and anticipation. The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 is a truly exceptional and captivating expression of elegance and complexity. This limited edition Champagne, carefully crafted to perfection, offers a sensory experience that is both luxurious and memorable. In the glass, this rosé Champagne showcases a beautiful, pale salmon colour, reminiscent of delicate rose petals. The fine, persistent bubbles gracefully dance to the surface, creating a mesmerizing visual display. On the nose, the Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 reveals an exquisite bouquet of fragrances. Aromas of fresh strawberries, ripe raspberries, and juicy cherries intertwine with hints of delicate rose petals and subtle notes of brioche and toasted almonds. This intricate symphony of scents creates a seductive and alluring invitation to indulge. Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with a harmonious balance of flavors that unfold with precision and finesse. Layers of red fruit, including wild strawberries and tangy cranberries, mingle with zesty citrus accents, adding a refreshing vibrancy. The wine's complexity deepens as subtle hints of spices, such as ginger and cinnamon, emerge, adding depth and intrigue. The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 boasts a luxurious mouthfeel, with a velvety texture that caresses the palate. The fine bubbles contribute to a creamy and luscious sensation, enhancing the wine's overall elegance. The finish is remarkably long and expressive, leaving a lasting impression. The flavors linger on the palate, with a delightful interplay between the fruit, acidity, and delicate toasty notes. This Champagne showcases remarkable aging potential, with the 2002 vintage demonstrating the perfect balance between youthful vibrancy and mature complexity.

For many Burgundophiles, Richebourg is the single greatest vineyard in Burgundy. More statuesque than la Tache and when on form, more exotic and forceful, than Romanée-Conti. Expect aromas of the Moroccan souk, coupled with firm, sinuous tannins that demand reconciliation in the cellar. Thibault Liger-Belair’s vines are very old in a regional context, dating to 1931-1934, imparting depth and vinous torque.