With its attractive garnet hue, the Château de L’Abbaye wines are defined by an intense bouquet laden with blueberries and plums and delicate oaky nuances. The palate allies power with finesse, revealing robust tannins and a persistent, fruity finish. A delicious, delicate Haut-Médoc wine, that can be enjoyed on its own. Château de L’Abbaye is located in the district of Vertheuil in the Médoc, close to the prestigious appellation of Saint-Estèphe. Its name was inspired by the famous Vertheuil Abbey (“Abbaye” in French) near to the vines and founded in the 11th century. Setting the standards since 1850, and “classed among the finest in the land” in the 12th edition of the 1969 Féret wine guide, today the Château owes its unique character to 100% Merlot plantings.

France's Bordeaux, is the spiritual home of the Cabernet family of grapes, which extends beyond Sauvignon and Franc to Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. If you love Margaret River Cabernet blends, or indeed the Merlot dominant reds of Hawkes Bay, NZ, then you must look at the wines upon which many of them have been modelled. This wine is Cabernet and Merlot, deep and rich, cassis and earthy cedar, structure and uncommon length - all hallmarks of Grand Cru Bordeaux.

Mouton Cadet Select, is the result of the selection from the best parcels of highest terroirs across the Bordeaux region. Created in 1930, by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Mouton Cadet has become a standard-setter for Bordeaux wines in France and rapidly overseas. The nose initially reveals black cherry, very ripe red fruit notes, hints of mocha and spice. From a supple and voluptuous attack on attractive fruit, the mid-palate displays powerful flavours with forward red fruit, leading into a long and spicy finish.

Soft, smooth and a fantastic expression of Cheval Blanc. Sweet red cherries, black currants, lavender. The palate is silky with great length, all framed with the hallmark superb balance. Wonderfully elegant, with the dominance of Merlot in the blend playing all the right cards.

Chateau Montrose is a second Grand Cru Classé estate in St-Estephe and is considered one of the leading wine properties of the appellation. Located in the eastern half of the appellation just 800 metres from the Gironde estuary, the propertys proximity to the water provides a unique micro-climate that protects the vines from frost. The Grand Vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, that appears very powerful and austere in its youth, with a backbone of firm tannins that provides exceptional longevity.

Château Pavie Decesse is a St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé property in the Côtes sub-district, considered the equal of its illustrious neighbour, Chateau Pavie. The origins of both can be traced back to ancient Roman times. The 3.5ha vineyard, on chalky, limestone and clay soils and contiguous with Pavie, is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Following cold maceration, the Chateau wine is vinified in temperature-controlled oak vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is aged in 80% new oak for between 18 and 24 months, depending on vintage character. Production is small, around 650 dozen each year. The hedonistic Pavie Decesse style combines opulent, rich, sensuous textures with minerality, freshness and concentration. Due to its lush style Pavie Decesse drinks well young, yet does develop additional complexity with time in the cellar. Wine quality has been consistently excellent under the ownership, since 1997, of Gerard and Chantal Perse.