The Chapoutier Estate has been present in the Rhone Valley since 1808, always on a quest to find different tastes and expressions of terroir, or sense of place. Hermitage is regarded by some as the greatest expression of Shiraz from anywhere in the world. If you're a Shiraz lover and haven't yet explored the wines of the Northern Rhone, you're simply missing out.

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 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 Pontet-Canet is a classic large Pauillac property that adjoins the Mouton Rothschild vineyards that in the past has struggled to get fruit richness into their wines until Michel Rolland was called in. The wines of the past 15 years have produced lovely, voluptuous reds with ripe fruit and brilliant balance. The 2009 is quite simple a stunning incarnation of Pontet-Canet and quite possibly their best wine ever produced! A 'tour de force' of the highest standard, layers of concentrated fruit along with sublime oak integration see this biodynamically farmed vineyard reach Bordeaux perfection. Will age comfortably for the next 50 years.

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

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 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.

This terrific Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet offers raspberry and cherry aromas. The palate is lean and lively with red berry fruits and plum pudding flavours. Now sealed under screw-cap, it's fresher and more vibrant than ever!

Australia's first boutique winery, Lake's Folly Cabernets is an Australian wine treasure. More Bordeaux in nature than most, the Cabernets is a wine of pristine purity and elegance. With a sense of place that can be tasted in every bottle across all vintages, Lake's Folly Cabernets is a must have for all serious wine collectors and lovers. The 2010 is a young, robust version that will require some time in the cellar to really show its complex characteristics and refined palate.

Calvet Grande Reserve is a red colour with purple hints. Powerful and complex nose, with scents of red fruits and spices. The attack is nice and structured, with flavours of cherry and vanilla. The finish is long and pleasant.