Quinta do Noval is the go to Port house for those who prefer VP in a more elegant guise. 1995 was a terrific year at Noval and now almost 20 years old, it is a beautifully balanced and supple wine with a lush, plump texture and smooth, round tannins. Intense flavours of plums, raisins and dark chocolate abound with a hint of secondary development now peaking through.

Romate Pedro Ximenez show a complex amalgam of figs, raisins, plum pudding fill the glass. This is a serious drink, having been aged through the Solera system for a minimum of 30 years. This is a must have for any connoisseur.

Arguably Australia's finest wine treasure and a link to our colonial past. Laying in puncheons (475 litre barrels) for 100 years, Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Tawny is bottled to request as only 500 litres remains after the angels have taken their

Arguably Australia's finest wine treasure and a link to our colonial past. Laying in puncheons (475 litre barrels) for 100 years, Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Tawny is bottled to request as only 500 litres remains after the angels have taken their

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.

The important Sauternes property Chateau Suduiraut lies alongside Chateau dYquem and was ranked 1er Cru in the Bordeaux classification of 1855. Suduiraut can boast a history going back to 1580 although in 1992 it joined a family of properties, including Chateau Pichon Baron in Pauillac and Chateau Petit Village in Pomerol, owned by the French insurance giant AXA. Suduiraut, noted for its finesse and subtle complexity, is one of a small group of Sauternes producers which have emerged as worthy rivals to their famous neighbour. The 200ha property has 92ha under vine, mostly on gravel, sand and clay soils.