DOMAINE MONGEARD-MUGNERET Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Orveaux

The 2012 Cos dEstournel is a classic expression of St.-Estèphe, with notes of graphite, crushed rock, blackberry, blackcurrant fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, structured, but well-integrated tannins and a long finish of 35 seconds or more. This is a beauty and an undeniable top success in the Médoc for 2012. Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades or more. The final blend, which achieved 13.8% alcohol, is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot - Rober Parker Jr

Michele Chiarlo was founded in 1956 by the sole and present owners, Michele and Giuseppina Chiarlo. Son of over seven generations of esteemed wine growers, Michele is today one of the most respected producers of the fine wines of Piedmont and a leading figure in its viticultural industry. Cannubi is one of the most prominent vineyards in Barolo and has been recognised as a cru since 1752. The front label depicts the "ciabot", i.e. where the ancient Cannubi shed can be found in the middle of the steep, terraced vineyard. According to winemaker Stefano Chiarlo, 2016 was a vintage of rare qualitative excellence, where the absence of irregular weather events led to healthy, perfectly ripe grapes at harvest. The wine was aged for 3 years i medium-sized oak casks, then further aged in bottle prior to release. The result is an extraordinarily complex and elegant Barolo, with hints of red berries, rose petals, liquorice and rhubarb, with the notes of sweet spices and tobacco so typical of this cru. Structured and complex on the palate, finishing with silky tannins.

The Sorelle De Nicola Feyles Barbaresco Riserva Feyles DOCG 2007 Jéroboam 3000ml is a bold and complex wine that truly embodies the terroir of Piedmont, Italy. On the nose, aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, mingle with hints of leather and tobacco, creating a bouquet that is both inviting and intriguing. On the palate, this wine reveals its full-bodied nature with layers of dark fruit, earthy undertones, and a subtle hint of oak. The tannins are well-structured and provide a firm backbone to the wine, while the acidity adds a lively freshness. With a deep ruby color and a long, lingering finish, this vintage 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Feyles is a testament to the skill and passion of the Feyles Sorelle de Nicola winery. A true gem that will continue to evolve over the years, this Jéroboam 3000ml is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). The chateau wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the chateau comes from 3.5 ha planted to Semillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Chateau Haut Brion), the entire estate has been renovated vineyards, winemaking facilities and the chateau itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.

Chateau Pontet Canet is a large Pauillac estate that can trace its origins back to 1725, when Jean-François Pontet gave his name to the estate he had acquired. The wine was not château-bottled until 1972 and in 1975 the property was sold to Guy Tesseron, who also owns Château Lafon-Rochet in St-Estephe. Today it is owned and run by Alfred and Michel Tesseron. Pontet-Canet's 78 hectares of vineyards adjoin those of Mouton Rothschild and are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (32%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). The Tesserons have vastly improved the quality of the Pontet-Canet wines which are now full-bodied and packed with ripe, chewy, black fruits and finely integrated tannins. The wines have great ageing potential. Pontet-Canet is classified as a 5ème Cru Classé.. It was the first major Bordeaux wine producer to earn official organic certification, and its biodynamic production is a hallmark of its current operations.

Beginning with his first vintage at Tertre Roteboeuf in 1978, François Mitjavile didnt need long to grow his (staunchly!) unclassified estate into one of the most respected names in St Emilion. Part winemaker, part philosopher, Mitjavile is one of the great characters of Bordeaux. He could be considered almost Burgundian in his approach - the opulence and grandeur are for his wines, not his front gate, the cellars are not gilded halls and statues. Mitjavile generally picks late, uses 100% new oak, and produces no second wine. Truly one of the personalities of the region.

Majestic, intense, full bodied and tannic, Cos dEstournel is considered the leading wine of St Estèphe. Highly tannic in its youth, over time it develops much much like the great wines of adjoining Pauillac. The wine is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, consistently displaying immense power and evident breed.