Laurent Ponsots new company is a stage in a wide-ranging project that began four decades ago. In this different format, Laurent Ponsot continues to use his experience, his craftsmanship and his passion to serve the terroir of Burgundy. The company Laurent Ponsot is neither a domain nor a maison: its a state of mind. To create an exceptional wine is the equivalent of designing luxury goods. Haute couture is how we have decided to describe these incredible wines, like unique designer pieces, made even more glorious through our experience and craftsmanship. The freshness and fruity and accessible suppleness of a Bourgogne Blanc make it the perfect introduction to the stunning wines of Laurent Ponsot.

Labegorce is found just north of the town of Margaux, opposite Chateau Lascombes. It produces wines that are often favourably compared to its neighbouring classified Margaux Growths, but available for considerably less of an investment. Its instantly recognisable and iconic chateau was constructed in 1821, and the modern estate was purchased by Hubert Perrodo in 1989, now managed by his daughter Nathalie. The wine is typically made up of at least 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by slightly less Merlot and a small balance of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soils here are primarily sandy gravel with small amounts of limestone.

The largest estate in St Emillion, Laroque has been in the Beaumartin family since 1935, but has been completely revitalised and garnered a cult following in the last decade. The vineyards were originally put down in the 18th Century, with the current vines planted in the 1960s. David Suire has taken in the mantle of winemaker with aplomb - his most recent releases being consistently excellent. The property also produces fruit for wines sold as Chateau Peymouton and the estates second wine Les Tours de Laroque.

With a long and tumultuous history in the Haut-Médoc, stretching all the way back to its classification as one of fourteen 3me crus in the 1855 Classification, the Chateau has been rescued from obscurity, sold from family to family and endured superbly, as this latest offering amply exhibits. Unique, vibrant, and deep in colour, the 2016 can proudly hold its head up among the best La Lagune releases of recent years. Intensely aromatic, with a supple, medium-bodied palate, it will benefit from four or five years in the cellar and give ample rewards for your patience.

With a history dating back to 1143, Chateau du Tertre is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux. Since 1995 it has been in the hands of the Jelgersma family, also owners of Chateau Giscours. The du Tertre vineyard is a large single block, with 52ha under vine, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (11%) and Petit Verdot (7%). Biodynamic viticultural techniques were being introduced beginning in 2008 and du Tertre was one of the first in Bordeaux to ferment grapes in egg-shaped concrete vats. The property produces a second wine, Les Hauts de Tertre, and from 2014 a dry white wine, Tertre Blanc, an unusual blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Gros Manseng. This Margaux property was classified Cinquieme Cru (Fifth Growth) in 1855.

Chateau Batailley is a highly regarded 5th growth classified estate, located in the appellation of Pauillac on the left bank of Bordeaux. Owned by the Castéja family of négociants Borie-Manoux, it is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc. A Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with smaller components of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it is a solid, classically structured mid-weight Pauillac displaying fresh notes of cassis and a backbone of fine-grained tannins.