One of the most expensive Bordeaux wines - and indeed, one of the priciest anywhere - Le Pin is a surprisingly recent arrival on the global stage, with its first vintage having been produced just decades ago in 1979. Originally priced at a modest 700 francs, the praise garnered by the 1982 vintage propelled Le Pin into the global limelight, with sales from that point on par with - or exceeding - those of First Growth Bordeaux wines. An exotic style of Bordeaux, Le Pin possesses a resplendent, lavish mouth-feel with intensely ripe fruit aromas and hints of smoke on the palate.

Named for the fourth century Latin poet Ausonius, Chateau Ausone sources from a mere 7.3 hectares of vines, set in the south of Saint Emilion. The fortunes of Ausone waned in the mid twentieth century, but have been revitalised by property manager Pascal Delbeck who has helped reestablish the reputation of the famed house. Renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland guides the Vauthier estate flagship to near perfection in 2010; the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend showing density, richness and profound structure, that suggests time in cellar is not only essential for its first ten years, but likely a benefit for another forty years further..

Reputed to be the leading star of the ''Super Seconds'' of Bordeuax, Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is set over 50 hectares of vineyards in the south of St-Julien. The wine is composed from predominately Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with lesser influence from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and spends around 18 months in half new and half seasoned oak barriques. The 2010 vintage has conspired to produce what could arguably called one of the greatest releases of this wine, resplendent with fine, firm tannin, subtle oak, quiet power and a capacity to cellar for another half century.

Tasted blind at the 2012 Southwold tasting, the 2012 Ausone took more time to settle in the glass than its peers, eventually deciding upon briary, violet and cassis scentsvery floral and Margaux-like in style, not powerful but insistent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a crisp line of acidity, blackcurrant pastille mixed with cedar and a dash of spice, the wine finally revving up towards an intense and persistent finish that almost stains the mouth with its opulence. It is a gorgeous Saint Emilion from Pauline and Alain Vauthier. Tasted January 2016. - Rober Parker Jr

A dry red wine made from delicately selected Pinot Noir grapes. This wine is defined by a delicate ruby red color. The nose is remarkable, with fruity aromas of raspberries, cranberries and morello cherries. The taste is medium-bodied and elegant, with combined aromas of red berries and liquorice. he 15-month ageing process in French and American oak barrels provides the wine with more structure and spicy hints of clove and smoke, finishing with a long aftertaste. The harmonic acids and the soft velvety tannins provide this wine with a several-year bottle ageing capacity.This wine is perfectly paired with smoked salmon specialties, foie gras or with a selection of creamy cheeses.Recommended serving temperature: 13-15°C

Chris Ringland is one of the most admired and talented winemakers on the planet, but these days, he calls the Barossa Valley home, knowing it like the back of his hand. He has sourced top-notch Shiraz from the vineyards in the northwest of the Valley for this richly flavoured, finely balanced wine. Look for blackberries, plum pudding and dark chocolate. More flavour in this half-bottle than in most twice the size.