After a minimum of 25 years in barrel, vintages are selected for release only when they have attained classic hallmarks of aged Pedro Ximenez: a black mahogany colour and a sweetly radiant nose. Saturated with all kinds of evocative smoke, raisin, and savoury aromas. The palate is full of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, rum, fruitcake and Turkish coffee thats fresh acidity that hems in the wines shape and freshness.

Bodegas Toro Albalá is considered one of the truly great wineries from the southern Spanish region of Montilla-Moriles. Established in 1922, Toro Albalá is now in the expert hands of Antonio Sánchez who hand crafts this extraordinary dessert wine from the lucious Pedro Ximenez grape variety. A concentrated nose of tobacco, crème de cacao and licqorice greets you while the palate is a beguiling mixture of sweet and bitter flavours with a dense concentration and length that seems to live forever.

Since 1984 Château Rieussec has been the Sauternes property of the Rothschild family, owners of Chateau Lafite. Rieussec, a neighbour of Chateau dYquem, had for generations been a leading producer and was ranked Premier Cru in 1855. Even so, under Rothschild ownership the property has been transformed, with new cellars and winery and far more rigorous grape selection (plus greater use of barrel fermentation and maturation) for the flagship Grand Vin. This has led to Rieussecs clear emergence as a rival to its famous neighbour. Chateau Rieussec is 90% Semillon, with minor contributions from Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The property is 110ha with 68ha under vine.

Rayne Vigneaus vineyard overlooks Sauternes near the village of Bommes and forms the third highest point in the area after Yquem. Founded by Gabriel de Vigneau in the early 17th century. Madame de Rayne, née Catherine de Pontac, bought the Domaine du Vigneau in 1834. Under her ownership, the estate reached the envied rank of premier Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes in the famous 1855 classification. Today, Château de Rayne Vigneau is a true benchmark for the Sauternes appellation. Its intensely fresh style,stands out vintage after vintage.

A prestigious 1er Cru Classé estate, Château Coutet is the oldest and largest property in Barsac. The name Coutet is derived from the Gascons word for knife and the estates wines are renowned for their fresh cutting acidity and crisp lively palate. A blend of Sémillon (75 5%), Sauvignon Blanc (23%) and Muscadelle (2%), the wines show beguiling aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, white flowers, honey and ginger, revealing more candied fruit, gingerbread notes with age. The wine is matured in oak barriques for 18 months.