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An upswing in quality over the past decade or so, has resurrected Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte's position amongst Bordeaux Chateau. New ownership breathed life into exceptionally positioned vineyards, now farmed with less chemicals, with a more sympatico approach in winery. Famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland is an additional feather in Smith-Haut-Lafitte's cap, enhancing the wines concentration, power and depth, while maintaining a finesse. Though full-bodied, the wine from 2010 will be approachable a little earlier than most other fine Bordeaux, with more moderate tannin - that being said, it's life will stretch several decades too.

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.

Bolgheri Superiore is the Italian winery, Ornellaia's flagship wine which gives rich fruit on the nose and crispy oak. The palate is lively and powerful which full, concentrated fruit flavours and impressive silky, smooth tannins leading to an elegant yet spicy, long finish.

Jasper Hills Emilys Paddock is mostly shiraz - with a defining splash of cabernet franc. A lot has been made over the years of the terroir difference between Jasper Hill Emilys and Georgias, but its the cabernet franc that really differentiates them. Wonderfully fragrant and lifted on the nose, Emily's Paddock is not only wonderful upon release, the wine will age gracefully over many years in the good cellar.