By using new French oak casks to finish this scotch, a fantastic vanilla and spice character is leeched into the whisky. This compliments the sweet malt and floral characters perfectly.

Maison Les Alexandrins is a collaboration between two renowned winegrowers from the Rhone Valley - Nicolas Jaboulet and Alexandre Caso. Their wines are crafted in a signature style that is at once contemporary and timeless, and always from exceptional vineyards unearthed by Alexandre Caso, a specialist in the terroirs of the Northern Rhone. The terroir of Hermitage is complex and varied, comprising granite (giving minerality and fine tannins), pebbles (for aromatic richness and complexity), and limestone (for finesse and elegance). These three complementary terroirs all play a role in the final blend. Superb intense dark-red colour with shiny reflections. The nose is powerful and complex, with notes of blackberry and blackcurrant, subtly mixed with notes of wood evoking undergrowth with aromas of sweet spices, a lovely warm smokiness. Perfectly balanced between a powerful and refined structure, freshness and delicacy, with finely crafted tannins on a long, aromatic finish.

Domaine de Montille is one of the greatest Domaines in Burgundy and can be traced back to the middle of the 17th Century at Creancy with the Lords of Commeau. The lieu-dit known as 'Les Taillepieds' takes its name from its steep hill and the small, sharp gravel on which winegrowers 'slashed their feet' while digging into the earth.Highly defined, it a precise wine that shows floral and spice.

99 points by Vinous.<br>From fifth-generation producer Vietti, this 2010 Rocche di Castiglione hails from one of Barolo’s greatest vintages. Powerful yet elegant, it shows depth, structure and longevity. A rare chance to secure a true “King of Wine” from one of Piedmont’s most iconic estates.

Burgundy royalty with an Aussie twist. From famed winemaker Jean-Marie Fourrier — protégé of Henri Jayer and now owner of Bass Phillip — this Bourgogne Rouge comes from 1963-planted vines between Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Red cherry, rose petal and forest floor meet silky tannins and lifted Pinot energy.

100 points by Vinous.<br>From fifth-generation producer Vietti, the 2016 Ravera hails from one of Barolo’s greatest modern vintages. Powerful and precise with structure built for decades of ageing, it’s a rare opportunity to own a benchmark “King of Wine” from one of Piedmont’s most celebrated estates.

Winemaker Elena Brooks has a unique ability to heighten the aromatic power and flavour of Grenache, and this wine is her pinnacle release of the variety.Bright medium to deep ruby. Seductive florals, strawberry, violets, raspberry jube and rose petal. An amalgam of gentle flavours with sweet cherry and strawberry, over satin-soft tannins with superb length. A beautifully made wine.

"A smart blend" (Halliday) with Golds, Platinum and 94-96pt scores. From the very gifted winemaker Elena Brooks. "Flavours skip through sour plum, wild raspberry, blackberry pastille, soft licorice, ground ginger, dark rye, mace and a certain tarriness, measured but robust tannins closing out. It’s a smart blend, pulpy, chewy, multi-layered and bursting with flavour. 95pts” (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion). "Rich and intense on the palate with loads of blue fruits and dark earth minerality... it rolls long and weighty with supple tannins ensuring the drive is clear, focused and very long. 95pts” Stuart Knox, The Real Review). Ken Gargett, WinePilot adds that it is "Stunning stuff... A silky palate, very long and seamless with soft and sleek tannins. An enticing style which is utterly delicious. 96pts".

Chateau Canon shows no shy and retiring character in 2010, set to a naturally ripe and high 15% alcohol. Though power and density is a motif in 2010, there is a surprising suppleness in this wine, born from central St-Emillion vineyards and the same family of wine as Chateau Rauzan-Segla of Margaux. Almost evenly split between Merlot and Cabernet Franc usually, it''s three quarters Merlot in 2010; the wine matures in oak barrel for 18 months, with around 70% of those offering new wood character. While dense and compact, there is a succulence to the wine that suggests cellaring to two decades would be apt.

Talisker is one of Scotland's remotest distilleries which produces a dram with trademark smoothness. Their 10 year old has a powerful peat and sea-salt nose; smoky sweetness with malt flavours and developing warmth with a huge, peppery finish. One of the six classic malts of Scotland, this Whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a slight dash of water.