To retain the stylish varietal model he seeks with Shadrach, Grant Burge used a high proportion of Coonawarra fruit in 2000. Who can argue with the result! A minty complex wine, with depth and elegance.

The Arômes de Pavie 2021 is the 2nd wine from Chateau Pavie and is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. It matures in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new French oak. In the glass the wine is a deep purple-black color. Still closed in its early years, but with some waltzing comes the lush scents of stewed black plums, black cherry compote and red and black currants. The wine further has aromas of tar, baked herbs and charcoal. On the palate, the Aromes de Pavie is full body wrapped in layers of black fruit, framed by soft tannins and tons of freshness and finishes long and earthy.

Very precise and focused with tight, sleek yet firm tannins, framing a fresh core of black fruit, gravel and tobacco. Crushed stones and tea leaves, too. Savory and medium-bodied. Driven and linear. Lots of cabernet character. Chewy tannins. Rather muscular. But polished texture. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot and 3% petit verdot.

"Château Smith-Haute-Lafitte dedicate 11 hectares of their vineyards in Graves to white wine production. In 1990, Olympic ski champions Daniel and Florence Cathiard purchased the Château and revolutionised its production, reducing the amount of intervention in the winemaking and planting two extra white grape varieties, which has greatly increased the desirability and complexity of the label’s blanc. Sauvignon Blanc dominates in the vineyard, with small parcels of Sauvignon Gris and Semillon. Grapes are whole berry fermented, and no skin contact or malolactic fermentation takes place. They are aged on lees for a year with stirring, then aged in 50% new oak."

Château Latour is situated in the heart of the Médoc wine region, about 50 km north-west of Bordeaux, where the legend of the vineyards of Bordeaux began. The Château’s prime terroir, l’Enclos, overlooks the Gironde Estuary which, over the centuries, has given the vineyard its geological complexity and, on a daily basis, ensures a mild climate. In the years since 1993, under the leadership of the Pinault family, the estate’s owner, significant changes have been made with a view to maintaining Château Latour’s pursuit of excellence in the wines that it produces. Dark ruby in colour with a very elegant nose with beautiful aromatic purity. Generous and powerful on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel, full of silky tannins. Brimming with energy, the finale is superbly precise with fabulous length.

A magnificent example of what the Coonawarra has to offer, with a distinctive intensity of both varietal and regional characters melded with a balance and harmony that belies its ability to be enjoyed for many years to come. Intense dark berries throughout the palate with dark chocolate and plum, fine tannins and lingering acid hold together in perfect balance for an extended lingering finish.

"Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is the sister property to Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, formed upon the death of Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville in 1850. The parcel of vines we now know as Pichon Lalande were passed to the Baron’s three daughters, and today is one of the most elegant wines in the Haut Medoc. This elegance should not be confused with being underweight, as the wines have enormous richness and intensity, and age extremely well. Plantings on the large property include a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot."