The estate was started in 1955. Patrick and Christophe Bonnefond now control 65 acres in northern Rhone of which 18 acres is in Cote Rotie. Colline du Couzou comes from an assemblage of plots in the north and south of the Cote Rotie appellation. The fruit is 80% dedstemmed and consists of 95% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. The wine is aged in small barrels for 18 months.

One of the most expensive Bordeaux wines - and indeed, one of the priciest anywhere - Le Pin is a surprisingly recent arrival on the global stage, with its first vintage having been produced just decades ago in 1979. Originally priced at a modest 700 francs, the praise garnered by the 1982 vintage propelled Le Pin into the global limelight, with sales from that point on par with - or exceeding - those of First Growth Bordeaux wines. An exotic style of Bordeaux, Le Pin possesses a resplendent, lavish mouth-feel with intensely ripe fruit aromas and hints of smoke on the palate.

Deep and velvety ruby colour. Ripe red fruits, violet, licorice, mineral. Tannins are present but not aggressive. With its specific aromas of violet and licorice, its finesse and elegance, this wine is a 'civilized' version of Gigondas. Famille Perrin owns the famous estate of Chateau de Beaucastel, situated in the Southern Rhone. The region is renowned for Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone wines. Famille Perrin produces three brands, Chateau de Beaucastel, La Vieille Ferme and Famille Perrin.

Michel Chapoutier continues to produce wines of unbelievable value and his Cotes du Rhône is the leader of the pack. For under $20, medium bodied reds don't get better than this.

From the world-famous Chateau de Beaucastel, this medium-bodied, Southern Rhone red is packed with juicy red berry fruits and savoury complexity. Finishing dry, it's a winner with grilled meats.

Michel Chapoutier produces a wonderful, modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape here with a forboding Grenache and Syrah (Shiraz) blend that has lashing of blackcurrant, fig and licquorice root. A wonderful balance between power and elegance.