Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Rosso D O C
Founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori and named after the grove of flowering ash trees that surround the winery, the estate over looks the Tyrrhenian Sea with views stretching to islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and as far as Corsica. Sitting adjacent Tenuta San Guido (producer of Sassicaia) this is one of the estates that helped put Bolgehri on the map, along with Lodovicos older brothers Solaia and Tiganello, as well as Sassicaia. There are 3 wines in the range, the flagship Ornellaia; its second label, Le Serre Nuove; and its entry-level gem, Le Volte. Grape Varieties in 2014: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. The 2015 vintage comprised 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan
Regarded by many as a candidate for wine of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage. A huge accolade indeed for La Mission Haut-Brion considering the quite phenomenal wines being released. The 2009 can boast a colour that is almost impenetrable and a exciting bouquet of blackberry, truffles and spicy earth. The concentration of the palate is something to behold itself. A vinosity that is hard to find elsewhere, the flavours in the mouth follow on from the nose in nice order, yet the sheer power of the wine quite extraordinary. Layers of flavours continue throughout the palate and continue well into its length. Will no doubt be in short supply as all clamour to get a piece of this Bordeaux masterpiece.
CHATEAU HAUT BRION 1er cru classe
Chateau Haut Brion is one of the five first Growths of the 1855 Classification of the Medoc. The Chateau was established in 1533 by Jean de Pontac, who was the first to plant vineyards on this prime gravelly site, found in the Graves sub-region of Pessac Leognan. The Chateau is owned today by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the great grandson of Clarence Dillon. It is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with three hectares planted to the white varieties of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Chateau Haut Brion is the only property outside of the Medoc in the 1855 classification. A wine of class and breed, Chateau Haut Brion is typically more approachable in its youth, showing floral perfume and elegance, yet possesses the structure required for exceptional longevity.
Chateau Cheval Blanc 1er grand cru classe
Cheval Blanc is considered the greatest wine of Saint-Émillion, and shares a worldwide reputation comparable to any Bordeaux First Growth (and therefore any wine on earth). Being Right Bank-situated, no wines from the region were included in the original 1855 classification of Bordeaux, but Saint-Émillion devised its own ranking system 100 years later - one that is considered incredibly robust and up-to-date, due to its regular re-appraisal. Cheval Blanc has been ranked as a Premier Grand Cru Classe (A) - the highest possible - since the inception of the classification. The property borders Pomerol on one side, often drawing commentators into describing Cheval Blanc as combining the best of the two: having the richness and opulence of Pomerol tempered by Saint-Émillions unique elegance and poise. The wine is generally led by Cabernet Franc, followed by the signature Merlot of Saint-Émillion.
Chateau Ausone 1er grand cru classe
Though it has never been absolutely proven, Chateau Asone is rumoured to be the 4th century home of a Roman villa belonging to the classical poet Ausonius - and indeed, part of the estate does contain archaeological remains of a Roman villa. Needless to say, its a local estate of great pedigree and despite its incredibly lengthy history, it has only changed familial hands three times, culminating in the 17th century with the Dubois-Challon-Vauthier family, in whose descendents hands it remains today. Widely regarded among Bordeaux winemakers to be home to some of the best terroir in the region and that terroir, along with the skilled hand of Alain Vauthier, have made it one of the best producers of Bordeaux wine in the world. Renowned for its unique flavour and rich, full-bodied minerality, the 2016 has been lauded for its regal yet stunning and ethereal character, and widely regarded as one of THE wines of this years vintage.
Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2me cru classe
Majestic, intense, full bodied and tannic, Cos dEstournel is considered the leading wine of St Estèphe. Highly tannic in its youth, over time it develops much much like the great wines of adjoining Pauillac. The wine is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, consistently displaying immense power and evident breed.
Penfolds Superblend 802.B Cabernet Shiraz
PENFOLDS Superblend 802.B Cabernet Shiraz, South Australia 2018 Australias most lauded winery has amalgamated their classic varietals for the coveted 2018 blend, sourcing fruit from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe and Clare Valley. An impressive example of Cabernet Shiraz, the 802.B reflects the revered red labels curiosity, innovation and vision for producing elevated Australian wines. Time and time again. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz blended after fermentation, then matured for 19 months in French oak hogsheads. The 2018 displays complex aromas of dark spiced fruit, graphite, soy, and chocolate with a hint of cedary oak. The palate is layered and sleek with pure and intense fruit flavours, and tannins that are mineral and fine. Medium to full-bodied, silky and delicate, with a long, lingering finish, the 802.B is a true collector's dream.
Vivaltus
Penfolds Super Blend 802B Cabernet Shiraz With Nick Mount Decanter
Carefully selected from the coveted 2018 South Australian vintage, the wines represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. 802.B varietal composition is close to evenly split with cabernet sauvignon contributing 55% and shiraz 45% of the blend respectively. The components were married immediately post vintage, completing 19 months maturation as a blend in French oak hogsheads.This wine will reward careful cellaring for several decades. An intriguing counterpoint to its American oak sibling.
Penfolds Bin 60A
In 2004, similar vintage conditions to the iconic 1962 vintage, inspired Penfolds winemakers to recreate Max Schuberts iconic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 20, alongside Koonunga Hill and Kalimna Shiraz, were included in the 2004 Penfolds Bin 60A blend.