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An upswing in quality over the past decade or so, has resurrected Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte's position amongst Bordeaux Chateau. New ownership breathed life into exceptionally positioned vineyards, now farmed with less chemicals, with a more sympatico approach in winery. Famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland is an additional feather in Smith-Haut-Lafitte's cap, enhancing the wines concentration, power and depth, while maintaining a finesse. Though full-bodied, the wine from 2010 will be approachable a little earlier than most other fine Bordeaux, with more moderate tannin - that being said, it's life will stretch several decades too.

Comte Armand is one of the leading and best estates in Pommard. This wine rivals Bordeaux in terms of intensity and concentration. To many it will always have an underlying elegance and class.

Château Latour à Pomerol is one of the leading Pomerol properties and - while unclassified - one of the great crus of the Gironde. Latour à Pomerol consists of just under 8 hectares of vineyards split into two plots: the first is known as Les Grandes Vignes and is located on a gravel outpost next to the Church of Pomerol. The second plot lies on sandy, lighter soils and is to be found on the western side of the Pomerol plateau. Latour a Pomerol's grapes (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) are hand harvested and then fermented in temperature controlled concrete vats. The wine is then matured in small oak barrels (50% new) for 18 months. It is bottled unfiltered. Latour á Pomerol produces sumptuous, meaty, concentrated and full-bodied Pomerols that often require at least 10 years of cellaring. In the context of other top class Pomerols they remain underpriced.

LES PENSEES DE LAFLEUR, Second wine of Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol

Previously known as Chateau Belair, the name was changed to Belair-Monange upon its full purchase by the Moueix family in 2008. The 12 ha vineyard is planted predominately to Merlot with some Cabernet Franc growing on limestone and clay soils. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and lined concrete tanks prior to undergoing maturation in a mix of new and seasoned barriques for 18 months. A philosophy encompassing reduced yields, later harvesting and meticulous fruit selection have resulted in a richer more generous, concentrated style since 2008.

The French component of this wine was made at two of the Dourthe-owned wineries. Australian components of this wine were made at Penfolds Nuriootpa Winery in South Australia. Both components were blended and bottled in South Australia for a truly one-of-a-kind release.