The best

• red wine
• white wine
• champagne
• rosé
• whisky
• spirits
• beer

deals in Australia

Château Duhart-Milon’s second wine is selected on the same basis as the “Grand Vin”. In general, the grapes are from the younger plots in the vineyard. Moulin de Duhart has several characteristics similar to the grand vin, but with less potential for ageing as its barrel ageing period is shorter. It should be consumed younger than its more robust counterpart. The origin of the name comes from the former presence of a windmill on the Carruades plateau, next to the Duhart-Milon vineyard.

With a history dating back to 1152, Château d'Issan was established as a third growth in the 1855 classification. By 1945 when the Cruse family purchased this storybook Margaux property with its 17th century Château and moat, it was a shadow of its former self with just 2ha in production. With 44ha planted to 60% Cabernet and 40% Merlot, the Cruse family sold 50% to Jacky Lorenzetti in 2013. D'Issan is now firing on all cylinders, producing a wine that is both fleshy and structured. Up to 40% of the production is declassified into a second wine (Blason d’Issan).

Replantings and an upgrade of the winery and cellars, has resulted in the gradual recognition of this oft-overlooked wine producer. The upgrades have helped fine tune wines that are produced from potentially stunning fruit, sourced from a vineyard that sits on gravel between Batailley, Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton-Rothschild in Pauillac. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot spends time in mostly older wood and is known for its juiciness, fleshy texture and ability to be drunk at a relatively young age.

The Chateau Martinens 2002 from Margaux, Bordeaux, France is a stunning representation of the region's terroir and the winemaking expertise of this renowned estate. Upon opening, the wine reveals a deep garnet hue with hints of brick red on the rim. The nose is immediately greeted by a bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry, accompanied by subtle notes of cedar, tobacco, and leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a velvety texture and fine, silky tannins. Flavors of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, are interlaced with earthy undertones and a touch of spice, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering hint of dark chocolate. This 2002 vintage from Chateau Martinens is a true testament to the quality and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking.