Certified biodynamic and organic. Magnificent pitch black colour with a very deep bright dark red black hue. On the nose a lovely mix of red to black currant and mulberry scents morph into violet, vanillin cedar, dried herb, tobacco, black olive and spicy bay leaf notes. Medium bodied, elegant and superbly structured, the palate features a tightly knit matrix of red to black currant, mulberry and black olive flavours. Bright youthful acidity and an assertive grainy tannin structure provide an iron girder like core. Notions of tobacco, dried herbs, vanillin cedar and spicy bay leaf infusions also chime in. Restrained and understated in its power at present it concludes long and rich yet compact. Cellar 10-20 years. Alc. 13%

Having been through many iterations since its establishment in the early 17th century, what we know today as Chateau Brane Cantenac has well and truly settled into itself and become something extraordinary. Taking its name from the man knows as the Napoleon of the Vineyards, the Baron of Brane, who purchased it in 1833, the chateau has passed through several hands, finally coming to rest in the hands of Lucien Lurton in 1956. Under the Lurton family large portions of the vineyard were replanted, vine densities increased, drainage systems improved and the plantings evolved into their current varietals. The 2016 release has garnered a huge response from critics, with James Suckling naming it one of the best ever from the chateau, and Jancis Robinson praising its Cool, unforced and sophisticated delivery as Very competent indeed.

La Dame de Montrose, first vintage 1983, is the highly-regarded second wine of Chateau Montrose, the St. Estephe deuxième cru (second growth). Montrose has a little more than 90ha of vines, the entire site overlooking the Gironde. The vineyard is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Around 50% (or less) of the crop goes to make the grand vin and around 30% (or more) goes into La Dame de Montrose. (The rest is used elsewhere or sold in bulk.) In good years La Dame de Montrose is considered a bargain, in the best years it stands alone as a great wine. The Dame de Montrose herself is the late Yvonne Charmolüe, who ran the estate from 1944 to 1960.

MCHENRY HOHNEN Rolling Stone Cabernet Malbec Petit Verdot, Margaret River

Two words come to mind when you mention great Australian Merlot. Jim Irivne. Jim's Grand Merlot is the benchmark of complex and elegant Merlot in Australia and his Eden Valley vineyards are the perfect place to produce this iconic wine.