Chateau Beychevelle is a 4th Growth producer known for wines of intensity, depth and brooding nature. The 2010 continues this line but with a suppleness born of the vintage. The estate is set in the very south of the St-Julien appellation and can be some of the more powerful, concentrated wines of the region. Wines spend around 18 months in about 50% new oak for distinction and character. Though having historical ties to aristocracy of France, the current owners of this fine estate are Grands Mill?simesde France. Expect youthful drinking in the next five years and cellar up to 20.

The name Batailley boasts a long and proud history. The vineyard sits on a plateau to the west of Mouton Rothschild and is planted in the classic Pauillac wine appellation proportions with Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant varietal. The name is said to derive from a

This 25-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classe estate, perched on the highest plateau of St Émilion, is one of the jewels of the right bank. Made with the assistance of Michel Rolland, this opulent and generously proportioned Bordeaux, with dark plum praline flavours and chocolatey tannins, is one of the top wines of this vintage.

This is a complex blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc finished with Carmenere and Petit Verdot - flavours and perfume are thus layered, intense, detailed and glorious. A cavalcade of fruit, spice, earth, savouriness and beautiful wood handling. The estate is managed by Patrick Leon, whose talents are writ large in the finesse of handling the complex array of fruit, and judicious use of winemaking technique to elicit this most elegant yet finely wrought style. It's relative approachability is another key to this wines excellence.