Château Margaux is a 1er Cru Classé (first growth) estate of Bordeaux. The Grand Vin is renowned for its enthralling perfumed elegance, finesse and layered complexity. A Cabernet Sauvignon blend with a minor component of Merlot and a smattering of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, fermentation occurs in oak vats followed by maturation in 100% new barrels for approximately 22 months. Since its acquisition in 1978 by the Mentzelopoulos family, the quality and international reputation of Château Margaux has soared to even greater heights.

This wine was made in 2011 and 2012 but not in 2013. The 2014 Barolo Falletto (white label) is fascinating to taste right after the Barbaresco Riserva Asili from the same vintage. There is no doubting the extra muscle mass and power that is obtained in the Barolo appellation, and from the Serralunga dAlba township specifically. This dramatic Barolo delivers darkness and density. It shows a beautiful appearance with faint highlights of dark ruby that add a subtle sparkle. At this point in its drinking cycle, the wine shows all the characteristic traits of its youth. This means it is more closed and rigid at present. That nervous tightness needs to be factored in when assessing the cellar longevity of this vintage. Hints of the wines inner complexity, sheer determination and textural fortitude are already bubbling up from deep inside this firmly layered Nebbiolo. I wanted to mention the tightness of the tannins now. These will undoubtedly serve to carry this wine forward over the coming decades. *95 points*, The Wine Advocate Monica Larner

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.

The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.

Made from fruit grown in ultra close planted vineyards Bass Phillip wines are eerily like Pinots from Burgundy. Fully mature now, the wine has lovely spice and earthy characters ready to be enjoyed now.

In the upper echelon of 2nd Growth estates, Chateau Cos D''Estournel is located in St-Estephe appelltion, on the fringe of Paulliac and notably just north of the famed Lafite vineyards. Tourists flock to the Medoc estate to see the unusual, Asian-inspired Chateau design, but the wines hold their own and rightfully are considered the finest within St-Estephe. Oak is set to around 80% new barrels while alcohol is a modest 14.5%; the blend in 2010 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Merlot and complimentary Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in tow. A wine for thirty or so years.

Penfolds' Block 42 vineyard is one of the most historic Cabernet vineyards in the world. Planted only 30 years after the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Block 42 has the oldest plantings in the world that have continuously produced Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique history is harnessed by Peter Gago in the 2004 Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet that has produced a beautifully aromatic, perfectly balanced and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit simply explodes across the palate, giving tremendous depth and length of flavour. While young, plush and full-bodied today, the Block 42 has many years of ageing ahead of it and will be comfortable in your cellar well into the 2020s.

Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé is inextricably linked to the history of the Grand Cru vineyard at Musigny. A rich, family history has paved the way of the Domaine to produce exceptional wines like this 2005 Chambolle-Musigny. Described by many as displaying a kaleidoscope of fragrance and flavour, the 1995 Chambolle is drinking effortlessly currently and is perfectly paired with game dishes.