The Chateau Martinens 2002 from Margaux, Bordeaux, France is a stunning representation of the region's terroir and the winemaking expertise of this renowned estate. Upon opening, the wine reveals a deep garnet hue with hints of brick red on the rim. The nose is immediately greeted by a bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry, accompanied by subtle notes of cedar, tobacco, and leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a velvety texture and fine, silky tannins. Flavors of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, are interlaced with earthy undertones and a touch of spice, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering hint of dark chocolate. This 2002 vintage from Chateau Martinens is a true testament to the quality and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking.

The Chateau La Douys 1970 is a magnificent Bordeaux wine that exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Its deep ruby red color alludes to the richness and complexity that awaits on the palate. On the nose, this wine offers a bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and a hint of tobacco. As it opens up, notes of dried herbs and cedar emerge, adding a subtle earthiness to the aroma. On the palate, the Chateau La Douys 1970 is a full-bodied wine with a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant are complemented by a touch of spice and a lingering oak finish. This vintage, produced by the renowned Chateau Lillian Ladouys, showcases the true potential of Bordeaux wines from 1970. A true delight for the senses, this wine is a testament to the art of winemaking in France.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour is an infant, but it is shaping up to be a real gem. The 2019 includes 9% Petit Verdot, the highest ever, an approach that works here in giving the wine tremendous aromatic presence and overall depth. A whole range of savory and earthy notes lends complexity to this powerhouse Georges de Latour. The 2019 is impressive, that much is evident. Vinous

Extremely aromatic with flowers, currants, plums, and cocoa. Full-bodied with compacted fruit and ultra-fine tannins giving it a suppleness and finesse, yet it’s very structured and long. Turns to sandalwood, hazelnut and subtle currants. Round and velvety texture at the end. Slightly deeper and denser. 55% new French barrels and 45% concrete eggs for 18 months. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Needs four or five years. An excellent mountain wine from the family owners of Pontet Canet. Try after 2026. Suckling

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.

Like the Command block, which is an amazing resource to the Elderton Estate, the Ashmead block has consistently produced small parcels of excellent quality fruit. The vineyard was almost destroyed in 1997 to make way for higher yielding vines, however the family made the decision to promote the vineyard to a higher destiny thus the Ashmead.

La Dame de Montrose, first vintage 1983, is the highly-regarded second wine of Chateau Montrose, the St. Estephe deuxième cru (second growth). Montrose has a little more than 90ha of vines, the entire site overlooking the Gironde. The vineyard is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Around 50% (or less) of the crop goes to make the grand vin and around 30% (or more) goes into La Dame de Montrose. (The rest is used elsewhere or sold in bulk.) In good years La Dame de Montrose is considered a bargain, in the best years it stands alone as a great wine. The Dame de Montrose herself is the late Yvonne Charmolüe, who ran the estate from 1944 to 1960.