L’Epiphanie de Saint-Estèphe comes from a very fine estate in Bordeaux’s legendary St-Estèphe appellation in the northernmost part of the Médoc – one of only two Second Growths. (There are actually no First Growths in St-Estèphe, so this is pretty much top of the tree.) First Growth Château Lafite is just across a stream to the south, which gives you an idea of the hallowed terroir we’re talking about. We can’t reveal which estate this wine comes from, but we can tell you that two of its Grand Vins from the legendary 2009 & 2010 vintages were rated a perfect 100 points by the great Robert Parker – wines that sell for nearly $200 per bottle! It's compellingly aromatic – a seductive scent of violets and ripe red fruit. The luscious palate delivers concentrated cassis and plum, with touches of mineral and cherry on the long, sensuous, minerally, finish. It's a sublime example of the lavish St Estephes from this great estate, silky smooth, velvety, complex and long.

This Merlot displays forest fruit and plum characters, dark chocolate flavours in the mouth, with a supple medium weight tannin finish. Being fruit off the older Robert Stein vineyard block that was planted back in 1989 has helped add complexity to this early drinking style.

Tucked away in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, next to Saint Emilion, is award winning Château de Colombe, a tiny estate much neglected until we took ownership in 2012. Now it’s being lavished with utmost care in the vineyard and the cellar. Our Head Winemaker, Haut-Brion-trained Jean-Marc Sauboua, quickly spotted the potential of its steep, south-facing slopes and limestone soils. Judging by the 11 Golds won over the last five vintages (two for 2020), he was spot on. 2020 has been unanimously declared as 'exceptional', its fruit deliciously ripe, which has made for a very much ‘drink me now’ style. Merlot with a little of both Cabernets and Malbec, aged a few months in barrel, this red is fruit-rich and supple. For now open early and decant.

Ludovic Roussillon is one of the top viticulteurs in Bordeaux’s Entre-Deux-Mers. He knows how to coax the very best out of his soils to get the most flavour in his grapes. Work hard in the vineyard and the wine almost makes itself, he says. We’ve worked with Ludovic for a number of years, enjoying both his red and his white from Château Le Coin. This is another wine from his vineyards – mostly Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – all vinified to bring out the fruit's richness, supported by sleek tannins. Rethink Bordeaux with this supple, generous, rounded red. It’s already drinking really well, with or without food. Roast beef, full flavoured pasta dishes, charcuterie, cheese – this wine is very versatile.

This Great Value Barossa Merlot – with Gold and high points galore – is a treat to savour. .”… It's got the fleshiness you'd expect from the variety with an array of fine spice and hints of blueberry pie, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, earth, black cherry compote and purple flowers. Truth be told, it's a lovely drink and there's some great value to be had here. 92pts. Great Value.” (Dave Brookes, The Halliday Wine Companion). For Sam Kim, Wine Orbit it’s: “Splendidly fruited and inviting…” and ”… displays succulent fruit intensity with plump mouthfeel and polished tannins, finishing long and robust.94pts.” The Schild Estate can boast Shiraz vines planted by Ann Jacobs back in 1847! The Schild's first arrived in Australia in 1866, and the family moved to the Barossa and purchased vineyards here in 1952. They did not make their first 'Schild' branded wine until 1998, but the estate's reputation grew steadily. Although no longer owned by the family, the estate's vineyards are all still under the family's control.

Deep, dark red with purple hue. Rich forest fruits, blood plums and cedar. Generous, powerful and concentrated palate with lashings of rich ripe dark fruit flavours. There’s a core of beautiful forest fruits and dark chocolate on the mid palate. Charmingly balanced, the finish is velvety and smooth, making it a wonderful drink either with or without food.

This limited release Merlot is produced from a 5 star Halliday rated winery, Parker Coonawarra Estate. The wine reflect the stylistic approach to creating beautiful wines from the rich terra rossa soils of the Coonawarra region. The Merlot combines dark cherries and plums, dusted with a hint of tobacco. This wine is savoury and lush with persistence and a fine, silky finish.