Left in a sorry state by the previous owners, in 1962 the Rothschilds of Lafite took over the property and begun to reconstruct the vineyard which was planted mostly to Petit Verdot. 4 decades later and the wines of Château Duhart-Milon are now showing the flavour and concentration you expect from such a site in Pauillac.

A very important estate in St-Émilion, Château Angélus was acquired by the de Boüard de Laforest family in 1924 and merged with the previously owned Château Mazerat. The apostrophe was dropped in 1989 and is now simply known as Angélus. The wines are characterised by a fabulous texture offered by the high component of Cabernet Franc with the plump softness added by the Merlot creating a wine of pleasing plushness.

Without a doubt one of Bordeaux's most famous vineyards, Cheval Blanc lies on the border of Pomerol and is also easily the most important estate in St-Émilion. Uniquely a blend dominated by Cabernet Franc, Cheval Blanc's wines have a powerful bouquet which is spicy and rich which is followed by fruit that is soft, mellow and liquorous. Matched only by Pétrus in the realm of vigour and concentration, Cheval's exuberance is not to be missed. With this latest release, the 2009, the wines are bordering on immortal. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, this super-smooth, velour textured and opulent red wine shows rambunctious flavours of raspberries, blueberries, liquorice and a smidge of menthol. Will be fascinating to watch this

The Lafaurie-Peyraguey Golden Edition 2018 from Sauternes, Bordeaux, France is a truly exquisite wine. In this vintage, the Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey has produced a masterpiece with its luscious blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep golden hue, glistening in the light. The first whiff brings forth an intense aroma of apricots, honey, and candied orange peel, followed by a delicate hint of vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is rich and velvety, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Flavors of ripe peaches, figs, and honeycomb dance on the tongue, leaving a long and satisfying finish. This Golden Edition 2018 is a true representation of the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

The 2022 Grand Vin Blanc Sec Rayne Vigneau from Chateau de Rayne Vigneau in Bordeaux, France is a truly exceptional wine. With a pale golden hue, it exudes elegance and refinement from the first pour. On the nose, aromas of ripe peach, honeydew melon, and delicate white flowers intertwine with subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, this wine reveals a complex and well-balanced blend of tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango, with a touch of citrus and a hint of minerality. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth, with a refreshing acidity that lingers on the finish. This wine is a testament to the masterful craftsmanship of Chateau de Rayne Vigneau, and will surely be a highlight of any tasting experience. Enjoy it now or let it continue to evolve in your cellar for years to come.

Les Forts de Latour is the wonderful second label of the famous Château Latour of Pauillac. Les Forts lacks none of the legendary power and concentration of its elder brother although it is approachable at a much earlier age. Rich Cabernet influence dominates this wine that comes from Latour fruit that doesn't make the grand vin as well as the younger vine material. The 2009 is considered one of the truly great vintages in living memory and it is in these years that secondary wines like this Forst de Latour really shine. Value and pedigree all wrapped in one package!

This is a complex blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc finished with Carmenere and Petit Verdot - flavours and perfume are thus layered, intense, detailed and glorious. A cavalcade of fruit, spice, earth, savouriness and beautiful wood handling. The estate is managed by Patrick Leon, whose talents are writ large in the finesse of handling the complex array of fruit, and judicious use of winemaking technique to elicit this most elegant yet finely wrought style. It's relative approachability is another key to this wines excellence.

A stones throw from the famed Chateau Beychevelle, the estate is set in the south of the St Julien appellation and notable for vitality, finesse and elegance. The wine here is produced by Patrick Maroteaux whose increasingly influence is in turn elevating the quality and reputation of these wines.