Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste produce some of the best value wines in the Pauillac region, if not simply some of the best quality in general. Cabernet based reds are their staple and generally produce wines of a robust and masculine nature. In recent years the wines are close to rivalling the famed Pichons .

Nestled between La Marcette and Champ-Berrand, Les Charots in one of Pupillin’s smaller lieu-dits. It sits on a very steep slope under La Marcette on orange-tinted soils rich in iron. There’s a lot of yellow Bajocian limestone, too, which Benjamin finds gives this wine a more chiselled personality and citrusy, mineral edge. From 30-year-old vines, this was first made in 2021. To emphasise the different terroirs of each parcel, the winemaking for all the Chardonnays remains very similar. All the grapes are pressed as whole bunches into used 600-litre barrels for fermentation and 12 months of lees-aging. Benjamin then decants off the gross lees, and the wine rests on clean lees in stainless steel for a further six months, allowing him to bottle the wines without filtration. It’s a stunning wine, well summed up by the note below.

The Cellier Saint Benoit Arbois Pupillin Courbes Raies Chardonnay 2022 is a stunning example of the Jura region's mastery of cool-climate Chardonnay. Aromas of crisp green apple and ripe pear are complemented by delicate notes of toasted almond and a touch of honey. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and refreshing, with a bright acidity that balances out the creamy texture. The limestone soils of Pupillin lend a mineral complexity to the wine, adding layers of flint and wet stone to the already complex flavour profile. The 2022 vintage is a standout, with a beautiful pale gold colour and a long, lingering finish. This is a wine that will continue to evolve and develop over the next few years, making it a great addition to any cellar. A true gem from Cellier Saint Benoit that showcases the best of Jura's Chardonnay.

The Domaine de La Chapelle "Chevalier de Sterimberg" 2021 is a stunning white wine from the renowned Hermitage region in the Rhône Valley, France. Produced by the acclaimed winemaker Paul Jaboulet, this vintage showcases the best of the terroir and the grape variety. Upon pouring, the wine boasts a beautiful pale golden hue, inviting you to dive into its complex and alluring aromas. Notes of fresh citrus, ripe apricot, and delicate white flowers dance on the nose, while a subtle hint of honey adds a touch of sweetness. On the palate, the wine is elegant and well-balanced, with a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. Flavors of juicy pear, zesty lemon, and a hint of minerality make for a refreshing and harmonious finish. This Chevalier de Sterimberg is a true expression of the Rhône Valley, and a testament to the expertise and passion of its producer. Enjoy now or cellar for a few years to fully appreciate its full potential.

From the smallest parcel of the Leoville estate, comes Chateau L?oville-Barton, a once mid-tier level 2nd Growth that has accelerated in quality and interest since the reinvigoration of current proprietor Anthony Barton in the mid 1980s. The rich, gravel-and-clay soils host a predominately Cabernet Sauvignon base of vines, though Merlot and Cabernet Franc also factor. New oak use is kept to around 50%, and the wines are notable for their purity yet power. 2010 is no exception, with a wine that drives with authority across the palate, while providing the baseline for a long time of pleasurable cellaring. Rightfully called one of the most exciting producers of St-Julien.

Left in a sorry state by the previous owners, in 1962 the Rothschilds of Lafite took over the property and begun to reconstruct the vineyard which was planted mostly to Petit Verdot. 4 decades later and the wines of Château Duhart-Milon are now showing the flavour and concentration you expect from such a site in Pauillac.