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.

The 1979 vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild from Pauillac, Bordeaux is a true testament to the quality and prestige of this iconic château. Upon pouring, the wine presents a deep ruby red colour, with hints of garnet on the rim, indicating its age and maturity. On the nose, the aromas are intense and complex, with notes of red and black fruits, such as blackcurrant, cherry and plum, intertwined with subtle hints of cedar, tobacco and leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and elegant, with a silky texture and well-integrated tannins. The fruit flavours are still vibrant, complemented by flavours of spice and earth, leading to a long, lingering finish. This 1979 vintage of Château Lafite is a truly exceptional wine that has aged gracefully and offers a unique taste of the history and terroir of Pauillac, Bordeaux.

The Chateau Moulinet 1990 from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France is a wine that exudes elegance and refinement. Upon opening, the deep ruby hue immediately catches the eye, hinting at the intensity of the vintage. On the nose, aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and tobacco mingle with subtle notes of leather and cedar. The palate is equally complex, with layers of ripe plum, blackberry, and dark chocolate, balanced by silky tannins and a hint of spice. The oak is well-integrated, adding depth and structure to the wine. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a rich and velvety sensation on the tongue. This wine has clearly aged gracefully, showcasing the quality and expertise of Chateau Moulinet. It is a true testament to the timelessness of Bordeaux wines. Enjoy now or cellar for a few more years to fully appreciate its potential.

Incredibly opulent and rich, Château d'Yquem is widely considered the greatest sweet wine in the world. Currently owned by LVMH, this prestigious Sauternes estate is at the very top of the appellations classification, designated 1er Cru Classé Supérieur. Château dYquems 110 ha of vineyards are planted to 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The Grand Vin is produced from only fully botrytised fruit, carefully hand-harvested over successive passes by a team of highly skilled pickers. Yields are tiny, with each vine producing just one glass of wine. Fermentation takes place in 100% new oak barriques followed by up to 36 months maturation in oak. A wine of exceptional intensity and complexity, the best vintages of Château d'Yquem are capable of aging gracefully for well over 50 years.

Alter Ego is the second wine of Chateau Palmer and is widely considered one of the best value wines in Margaux. A fragrant and lush style, designed for earlier drinking, Alter Ego displays vibrant cassis fruit, supple tannins and a round plush mouth-feel. Maturation takes place in a 25-40% new French oak barriques for 18 months.