Chateau Canon shows no shy and retiring character in 2010, set to a naturally ripe and high 15% alcohol. Though power and density is a motif in 2010, there is a surprising suppleness in this wine, born from central St-Emillion vineyards and the same family of wine as Chateau Rauzan-Segla of Margaux. Almost evenly split between Merlot and Cabernet Franc usually, it''s three quarters Merlot in 2010; the wine matures in oak barrel for 18 months, with around 70% of those offering new wood character. While dense and compact, there is a succulence to the wine that suggests cellaring to two decades would be apt.

"Lynch-Bages is an iconic fifth growth of Pauillac and has the distinction of having produced the only wine that has ever been sent into space. Established in the early 1700s, the wine was labelled Chateau Jurine Bages at the time of the 1855 classification, later renamed in recognition of earlier owners the Lynch family. Jean-Charles Cazes purchased the property in the 1930s, later passing the management of the estate to his grandson Jean-Michel Cazes who modernised the winery and was a prolific spruiker of not just his own wines, but those of all Bordeaux throughout the 70s and beyond. Now managed by the next generation, (another Jean-Charles) Lynch-Bages continues to produce Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines of great concentration, offering ripe cassis and enviable cellaring potential."

Penfolds Bin 407 began life back in 1993 with the release of the 1990 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon. Created as a result of the availability of high quality Cabernet fruit, Bin 407 is inspired by its older brother, Bin 707. Not only offering varietal definition, but also approachability, structure and depth of flavour. The Bin 407 highlights the Penfolds approach to multi-region, multi-vineyard blending to create a Cabernet that rewards the drinker in both early and later years.

Chateau Leoville-Poyferre''s reputation as a 2nd growth of note has been buoyed by the engagement of renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, whose work has been an influence at the estate since the mid 1990s. Prior, the reputation had struggled until the 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, whose labour has helped create a greater reputation, more befitting the Leoville name. The wine has increasingly become one of the finest modern examples of St-Julien, with a move towards later harvests, fuller body, deeper concentration and exceptional length of flavour. 2010 reinforces that Chateau Leoville-Poyferre is a St-Julien wine to relish and cellar for up to and beyond another 30-plus years.

From the smallest parcel of the Leoville estate, comes Chateau L?oville-Barton, a once mid-tier level 2nd Growth that has accelerated in quality and interest since the reinvigoration of current proprietor Anthony Barton in the mid 1980s. The rich, gravel-and-clay soils host a predominately Cabernet Sauvignon base of vines, though Merlot and Cabernet Franc also factor. New oak use is kept to around 50%, and the wines are notable for their purity yet power. 2010 is no exception, with a wine that drives with authority across the palate, while providing the baseline for a long time of pleasurable cellaring. Rightfully called one of the most exciting producers of St-Julien.

On the rise and rise, Chateau Troplong-Mondot is increasingly considered a peer amongst the 1er Grand Cru Classe producers and perseveres with its lavish, luscious, strking wine styles. The wine is produced by Christine Valette in collusion with famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland, who has been working with the estate since the 1980s, explaining some of the density and power now found in the wine. This 2010 iteration is 90% Merlot and finishes with a balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernt Franc. Consider the wine full-flavoured, dense and rich, but with a grace that belies its 15% alcohol

Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is the icon Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Named after Coonawarra pioneer, pastoralist and parliamentarian, John Riddoch, this Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the very best of Wynns vast planting in Coonawarra and it only made in the years that best express Wynns strive for excellence. Arguably richer and more complex from comparable styles in the region, John Riddoch Cabernet is highly sought after and extremely limited.

A blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon from Chateau Cos d''Estournel, the landmark producer from Medoc. Sourced from their vineyards in the south of St-Estephe, this detailed and gloriously textured white wine displays the complexities requisite of cellarable Bordeaux blanc wines. The wine is drinkable immediately, but will also reward those considering some mellowing and honeyed complexity that comes with cellaring.

The Bin 389 style evolved as a result of experiments, by Max Schubert, in the 1950s to develop a highly individual wine using a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with compatible oak treatment. Bin 389 combines the elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz and demonstrates the traditional Penfolds' trademark - balance between fruit and oak, giving the wine character and longevity.

Château Rauzan-Ségla has a long history, with the first vines planted on the property in 1661. However, the official birth date of the château is considered to be 1763, when it separated from Rauzan-Gassies. The estate was gradually divided through the generations of the Rauzan family, but it gained a reputation and was classified as a Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe in 1855 alongside Château Mouton Rothschild. While the wines of the late 19th century became legendary, subsequent success was hindered by several obstacles, including a decline in vineyard area and outdated equipment. The estate was later acquired by the Wertheimer family, who continued to improve the vineyards and facilities, consolidating the Grand Vin as a super-second. Château Rauzan-Ségla has 70 hectares of vineyards, planted with the four Bordeaux grape varieties. The Grand Vin of Château Rauzan-Ségla is made with great care, using grapes from the main vineyards where the old Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines grow in well-cultivated soils. Small vats are used to create different batches that correspond to specific plots. Segla, the second wine of the estate, was created in 1989 and is produced using grapes from the vineyards surrounding the historic centre of Château Rauzan-Ségla. The wine is made with the same care and attention as the Grand Vin but is aged with less new oak and is typically less Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant. Segla is a renowned wine produced by Château Rauzan-Ségla, made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 53% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine undergoes an 18-month aging process in barrels, with 20% of new oak used in the process. The 2018 vintage of Segla is structured with a full body and firm, chewy tannins that are polished and focused. It has a tight hazelnut finish and is recommended for drinking in 2024. James Suckling gave it a rating of 93 points.