The 2010 Chateau d'Issan is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, showing 'classic Margaux' in its perfume, finesse and apparent elegance. Soils are gravel and clay, which contributes to the high-tones of perfume from the wine, and though an estate that is neccesarily clawing its way back to a higher profile, is doing so with deeds in bottle over showmanship. On its side, the vineyard is dense with older vines that naturally offer lower yields, allowing for a higher quality of fruit for the winemaking team, in turn producing a wine of stellar quality from 2010.

In the past, Château Clerc-Milon has been a rather neglected property, but has seen recent rejuvenation due to the famous Baron Phillippe de Rothschild taking charge of the estate. Named after the original owner, Clerc, and the small village in which the Château lies, Milon, the wine itself is predominated by Cabernet Sauvignon which sets it apart from another Rothschild Château, d'Armailhac. 2008 saw a Clerc-Milon of power and strength with bold, ripe fruit that will develop wonderfully in a well cared for cellar.

Château Brane-Cantenac sits in a prime position on the plateau of Cantenac and makes full use of its excellent terroir. No doubt something that Baron de Brane was aware of and along with his viticultural talents were the reasons behind the estates rise to fame. Now tended by the Lurton family, the wines continue to be in great hands. Of the 2009 vintage, Henri Lurton is known to have said that the winery was enveloped in aromas of raspberry and blackberry even before fermentation began! Even though fruit ripeness is an obvious trait, the balance and structure of the wine are also clearly evident which will see the wine age for a decade or two more.

Originating from the southern Bordeaux region of Pessac-Léognan, Domaine de Chevalier is known for reds that are deep in colour, a nose that is restrained at first, but full of complexity and a palate that has power and length of flavour. Some are of the beleif that their wines are verging on the reputation of Haut-Brion and La Mission!

A blend of 51% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot from 2010 - the Chateau Pape Clement is located in Pessac covering 32 hectares of vines, planted to red and white varieties. The estate is considered one of the most historical in all of Bordeaux, with history dating back to the 14th century, though its reputation wasn't fully forged until the mid-20th century. Detailed vineyard work is now a motif for the prestigious winery, and winemaking is set to modern with the use of stainless steel and higher ratio of new oak barrels. Though considered Cru Classe Graves, Chateau Pape Clement is considered one of the most collectable and highest quality estates in Pessac-Leognan.

Lindeman's Pyrus combines the noble varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec - producing a wine that is brimming with dark cherry spice and chocolate flavours. A classic blend from one of the classic Coonawarra labels that continues to produce a-grade quality wines.

France's Bordeaux, is the spiritual home of the Cabernet family of grapes, which extends beyond Sauvignon and Franc to Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. If you love Margaret River Cabernet blends, or indeed the Merlot dominant reds of Hawkes Bay, NZ, then you must look at the wines upon which many of them have been modelled. This wine is Cabernet and Merlot, deep and rich, cassis and earthy cedar, structure and uncommon length - all hallmarks of Grand Cru Bordeaux.