Lynch-Bages is an iconic fifth growth of Pauillac and has the distinction of having produced the only wine that has ever been sent into space. Established in the early 1700s, the wine was labelled Chateau Jurine Bages at the time of the 1855 classification, later renamed in recognition of earlier owners the Lynch family. Jean-Charles Cazes purchased the property in the 1930s, later passing the management of the estate to his grandson Jean-Michel Cazes who modernised the winery and was a prolific spruiker of not just his own wines, but those of all Bordeaux throughout the 70s and beyond. Now managed by the next generation, (another Jean-Charles) Lynch-Bages continues to produce Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines of great concentration, offering ripe cassis and enviable cellaring potential.

Concentration is the key word for this wine. Super ripe fruit, dense and rich, matured for an extended time in toasty new oak. Complex, vibrant aromas of violets, plums, blackberries and cassis with dried rosemary, thyme and oregano nuances, and a hint of beef stock, cedar and star anise spice. The palate is powerful yet incredibly finely structured with layers of plums, blackberries and red currants, guided by elegant acidity and tannins that integrate with the fruit and lead to a long, fine, beguiling finish. Exceptional vintage, 25+ years (from vintage).

Essence of blackcurrant. Bay leaves, licorice, tobacco and musky oak. One of those wines that seems to cascade through the mouth. Tremendous purity, freshness, elegance. Great release. Not much need be said. Pure velvet. Pure length. Drink 2019-2032.

Woodlands, established in 1973, has emerged as one of the regions important producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. The original, dry-grown 3.2 hectares, planted between 1973 and 1976, has now expanded to 10.5 hectares. The sandy and gravelly red/brown loams over lateritic sub-soils are well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Organic and biodynamic principles are gradually being introduced. Batch-vinification in open and closed, stainless-steel fermenters with minute parcels of Malbec optimises fruit complexity. Typically the wine shows cassis/ black fruit/ cedar aromas, fine-grained tannins and underlying savoury oak.

Penfolds Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon seeks out northern hemisphere excellence via meticulous vineyard and block selection, reinforced by flagship-worthy South Australian cabernet sauvignon. The result is distinctive, and of distinction. House Style is in the building blocks of Bin 149, a name derived from the percentage of South Australian cabernet sauvignon synergistically woven into the blend. Napa Valley regional sourcing seeks to showcase strong tannic foundations, dark fruit intensity but with the added dimension of a unique worldly disposition. Matured in French and American oak, this release highlights Penfolds commitment to quality.

Chiles answer to first growth Bordeaux, Viña Seña is one of the countrys most sought after wines. In his reviews and commentary on the wine, James Suckling has played a significant role in highlighting Viña Señas credentials as world-class. While comparisons to Mouton Rothschild or Harlan can and have (again, Suckling) been made, one of the more interesting features of this wine is how well it drinks when young. For a Cabernet-based blend in this class, Viña Seña leaps out of the gate showing cassis and fresh blueberries. This is altogether very gratifying but theres so much more in store. The length, depth and breadth make this a great working example of what we mean when we talk about three-dimensionality. High-wire act acidity and strong-man fruit, this circus of sensory pleasure is even more appealing considering that for the price of one Bordeaux first growth, youll have six of these. Hedonists take note.

This wine is a great example of why Margaret River is such a powerhouse in the cabernet department: concentration, savoury tannins, spice, and plenty of fruit. Blend of Cabernet sauvignon/Malbec/Petit Verdot. Delicious from the first to the last sip, with its very long finish.