A Premier Cru by classification; a Grand Cru by breed. Clos Saint Jacques has long been a contentious site. For many it is superior to all Grands Crus in Gevrey but for the regal duo of Chambertin and Clos de Bèze and even then, it is often their equal. Sturt. Forceful. Ferrous. Among the very greatest expressions of this regal commune, Jasper Morris MW refers to the Clos as the crown prince, as it slopes steeply to an ideal southern and easterly exposure. Rousseaus, by far the finest articulation.

Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz.

St Hallett Higher Earth Syrah St Halletts Higher Earth Syrah marks a new chapter for a brand known for its bold, unmistakably Barossan Shiraz. This wine, a true Syrah style, is lighter on its toesethereal, evenwith perfume that skips from the glass, and a juicy freshness that calls for drinking, with pleasure, right now. It seeks to represent with purity and grace the high altitude and cool climate of the Eden Valley, a showcase of this unique sub-region.The fruit for Higher Earth comes from parcels in four of St Hallets Eden Valley vineyards. Each parcel is treated individually according to its readiness and maturity. Unlike other St Hallett cuvées, Higher Earth is fermented at cool temperatures to instil vigour and freshness. It is aged in 25% new French oak. The result is a Syrah with lashings of dark fruit flavour and a lick of black pepper spice.

Chateau Angélus is one of the most renowned estates of Saint-Émilion, currently designated Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the most recent classification of Saint-Émilion. Located due west of the town of Saint-Émilion, the estate’s vineyards lie on a warm south-facing slope. The Grand Vin is a dense and unctuous blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, matured in 85-100% new French oak barriques for 18-22 months. Complex and concentrated, Chateau Angélus can appear slightly austere when young, developing greater generosity and richness with age.

DOMAINE HENRI MAGNIEN Estournelles St-Jacques 1er cru, Gevrey-Chambertin

RAEN Royal St Robert Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Raen’s Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir is dedicated to the current generation’s grandfather. The fruit is sourced from a selection from their coastal vineyards, giving a window to the rugged hills of the westerly Sonoma Coast. Vibrant aromas of black and red cherry, rose petal, and black tea fill the bowl. Wild raspberry and just-ripe red plum notes give way to coastal moss, wet gravel and forest underbrush. Western spice box notes complement the brooding, powerful fruit core, giving way to a vibrant and lasting finish.