Clos De L'Oratoire
Grand Cru Classé. Merlot 80%, Cab Franc 10%, Cab Sav 10%. These wines are rich and concentrated. Since 1990 they have improved under new ownership and show good typicity for St-Émilion.
Château Clinet Pomerol
Château Clinet is a rising star in the small Right Bank region of Pomerol. With its gravely soil mixed with sand, Château Clinet has gradually increased the Merlot component of the wine to produce a voluptuous, smooth and yet still complex red wine that is both pleasing upon release and turns into a read star with a few years in the cellar.
Château Cheval Blanc Saint-Émilion
Without a doubt one of Bordeaux's most famous vineyards, Cheval Blanc lies on the border of Pomerol and is also easily the most important estate in St-Émilion. Uniquely a blend dominated by Cabernet Franc, Cheval Blanc's wines have a powerful bouquet which is spicy and rich which is followed by fruit that is soft, mellow and liquorous. Matched only by Pétrus in the realm of vigour and concentration, Cheval's exuberance is not to be missed. With this latest release, the 2009, the wines are bordering on immortal. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, this super-smooth, velour textured and opulent red wine shows rambunctious flavours of raspberries, blueberries, liquorice and a smidge of menthol. Will be fascinating to watch this
Château Ausone St-Émilion
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..
Spinifex Papillon
Spinifex Papillon is a vibrant and luscious red from the Baross Valley that is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mataro. Made in the typical modern Australian mould, the Papillon is bright and aromatic with lifted cherry, red currant and spicy raspberry. A very perfumed wine with earthy flavours of beetroot and white pepper which lends itself to being a terrific food style wine with lovely acid structure and a medium weight.
Paracombe The Reuben
Establishing itself as a premier Adelaide Hills producer back in 1983, Paracombe continue to set the standard in the region. 'The Reuben' is a brilliant reflection of the dedication and expertise put into the winery byKathy and Paul Drogemuller. A Merlot dominant blend of five grape varieties, The Reuben showcases the best of Paracombe and its micro-climate. The palate is generous and finely structured with rich, sweet fruit driven flavours of fresh loganberries and raspberries interspersed with savoury and spicy notes. The Reuben is a great food wine and complements many styles of food.
La Esencia Sangria
Sangria is the ultimate summertime drink. With vibrant, aromatic fruit flavours and a refreshing, light weight palate, La Esencia is both delicious and crowd pleasing. This sangria can be served in a number of ways, but is best served with the addition of some fresh fruit like oranges, apples, limes and even pineapple. You can even add some lemonade and ginger ale for a bit of extra lift.
Château Haut Madrac Rouge
Second label of 5th growth producer Château Lynch Moussas this classic blend of Cabernet and Merlot has a distinctive cherry and blackberry palate enhanced by vanilla and cedar notes.
Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac
While it is true that lovers of Pauillac wines can sometimes be divided over their love of the wines from Lynch-Bages, it will go without question that the wines produced from the magnificent 2009 vintage are sure to be coveted by all. Vintage conditions were simply perfect and have allow this Pauillac producer to embrace its love of plush, fruit forward wines and yet deliver a wine of immense power and structure.
Château Certan-de-May Pomerol
Château Certan-de-May is a wonderul, quaint vineyard with only 5 hectares under vine that produce a rich, smooth and fleshy Merlot dominated wine. Located right in the heart of the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux's right bank, this vineyard enjoys the same soil as it's neighbour, the acclaimed Château Cheval Blanc. The 2009 vintage release of the Certan is a bruising, black fruited beast that is slightly overpowering to some degree early in its life, yet for those who like their Merlot's with a bit of power, this is your Pomerol. Give it 5 to 10 years in the cellar though and all parties are sure to revel in this succulent masterpiece.