Opus One is the coming together of two of the world's supreme wine figures, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. Opus One began its life in 1979 when Château Mouton Rothschild winemaker Lucien Sionneau and Robert Mondavi's son, Timothy made the partnership's first vintage. Their goal was to create a wine of unparalleled quality that reflected the traditions of both houses. The wine is French in style, but Californian in substance, Opus One is produced with the utmost attention to detail. The 2006 Opus One is a traditional Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The wine shows saturated black fruit concentration with flecks of purple in the glass. The nose is one of dark chocolate, blackberry, smallgoods and rose petal. In the mouth, flavours of cassis and coffee with robust plum and cherry are only a small taste of how great this wine will become with careful cellaring.</p>

This wine is made from two parcels which are found on the border of the communes of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. The first, which is to the left of the Clos des Perrières, has clay/limestone soil and a subsoil of volcanic rock which allows a healthy root system to develop in this limestone-rich environment. The second is on the upper slope and overlooks the Perrières quarry. Here the soil is heavily limestone, partly as marl and partly as white rock. This is interesting for the way it brings mineral notes to the wine. During tastings it often find notes of white pepper and other spices both on the nose and on the palate.

Grand Cru Cuvée du Kalimeris Corton-Charlemagne Driven by a predilection that deems the sum far greater than its individual parts, Laurent Ponsot has blended across plots on this venerated hillside, all Grand Cru, to deliver a masterpiece. The essence of the terroir, as he sees it. Loads of toasted nuts, nougatine and the inflection of lemon oil, yellow plum and lime curd that so often defines the finest Corton-Charlemagne. A confluence of precise mineral vibrato and almost unctuous power, melded as a curvaceous whole of thrilling length. Make no mistake, this should be buried in the cellar.

The colour is slightly amber with hints of yellow. The evolution on the palate is surprising. It starts off with an intense freshness that surprises, then comes the mid-palate with a dense liquor that gives this wine phenomenal power; the vivacity takes over again on the finish, thanks to a slight bitter note of lime and mango. A particularly well balanced Cuvée Madame. Recognised amongst the finest wines in its appellation, Château Coutet was classified a First Growth in 1855. One of the oldest estates in the Sauternes region, Coutet has an exceptional terroir and a rich architectural heritage. An English fortress in the 13th Century, this citadel with its square tower, a design typical of the eras military constructions, became a wine producing estate in 1643. Château Coutet belonged to the de Lur Saluces family for over a century and currently is owned and managed by Philippe and Dominique Baly, with the technical and commercial collaboration of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., the vineyards exclusive distributor. The name Coutet comes from the Gascon word for knife (couteau), in reference to the wines fresh, lively acidity and unique vivacity. In its youth, Château Coutet displays aromas of white flowers, citrus, honey, and vanilla. Age enhances the botrytis character to give the wines a deep, delicate bouquet with hints of spice and candied fruit.

Laurent Ponsots new company is a stage in a wide-ranging project that began four decades ago. In this different format, Laurent Ponsot continues to use his experience, his craftsmanship and his passion to serve the terroir of Burgundy. The company Laurent Ponsot is neither a domain nor a maison: its a state of mind. To create an exceptional wine is the equivalent of designing luxury goods. Haute couture is how we have decided to describe these incredible wines, like unique designer pieces, made even more glorious through our experience and craftsmanship. In 775 Emperor Charlemagne donated this vineyard to a Catholic institution in Saulieu, which kept it for the next 1000 years! Laurent Ponsot SAS sources its grapes from these three villages via six different producers, making a wine representative of the appellation whose richness is derived from its diversity. The wines are finely chiselled, precise, and rich with the scent of flowers and minerals. Match with fish, shellfish or a cheese platter to perfectly showcase their qualities.