Sweet, blackcurrants and cream sort of nose – really quite harmonious. Fresh too. Nicely judged and very smooth, even if not for the very long term. Score: 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson

A very famous old property within the region of Sauternes that has been rejuvenated over the past 20 years with the introduction of the Narby family from Canada. The rich and voluptuous wines are now matured in 60% new oak and the results are for all to see with wines of great complexity, harmony and elegance.

Château Rayne-Vigneau produce both a dry and sweet white wine on the estate with the sweet style taking all the accolades in recent years. Great vintages like the 2009 can produce a wine of sheer opulence and concentration. Layered honey, apricot and orange zest are all tighly packed in a Sauternes that is a perfect match for intense cheeses and flavoursome desserts.

This 25-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classe estate, perched on the highest plateau of St Émilion, is one of the jewels of the right bank. Made with the assistance of Michel Rolland, this opulent and generously proportioned Bordeaux, with dark plum praline flavours and chocolatey tannins, is one of the top wines of this vintage.