Les Forts de Latour is produced with the same meticulous care as the Grand Vin, both in the vineyard and in the winery. The only notable difference, apart from the origin of the grapes, is the proportion of new barrels (50 to 60%) used in the maturing stage. The blend for Forts de Latour can vary from one year to the next but there is always a higher proportion of Merlot (25 to 30%) compared to the Grand Vin. Chateau Latour's second wine in 2018 shows the concentration and density of the vintage, with intense dark fruit and licorice. Earthy notes and aromatic incense add complexity, and there are lots of velvety, dense tannins. This feels approachable, but has serious heft that will soften with more time in bottle.

Penfolds Max’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker, Max Schubert 1948- 1975, a legend in Penfolds history. Max’s constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps and also allowed the status and heritage of Penfolds to grow. Max’s Cabernet Sauvignon displays the Penfolds ‘stamp’ inspired by Max Schubert.

In 1966, Robert Mondavi opened the first major winery in Napa since prohibition. Moreover, he set out with an ambition: To make world class wines in Napa Valley, wines so fine, they could rival the best European wines. While this ambition may seem self-evident today, at the time it was nothing short of revolutionary, and many doubted it could ever be realised. The Robert Mondavi Winery Estate Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is no exception to the vision that Mondavi set out to achieve, our Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is traditionally a blend of all five Bordeaux varietals, with the final blend crafted to showcase the vintage and the beautiful varietal character of fruit from our Oakville estates in a balanced, yet complex wine. On the palate this wine displays layers of ripe dark fruit, baking spice, toast, and vanilla.

"Lynch-Bages is an iconic fifth growth of Pauillac and has the distinction of having produced the only wine that has ever been sent into space. Established in the early 1700s, the wine was labelled Chateau Jurine Bages at the time of the 1855 classification, later renamed in recognition of earlier owners the Lynch family. Jean-Charles Cazes purchased the property in the 1930s, later passing the management of the estate to his grandson Jean-Michel Cazes who modernised the winery and was a prolific spruiker of not just his own wines, but those of all Bordeaux throughout the 70s and beyond. Now managed by the next generation, (another Jean-Charles) Lynch-Bages continues to produce Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines of great concentration, offering ripe cassis and enviable cellaring potential."

Compelling and convincing, with florals, currants and blackberries, not too sweet; it has a savoury edge, with the oak seamlessly integrated. Perfectly ripe tannins with poise and presence ensure that this is lovely now, but will be more so in years to come.

VASSE FELIX Tom Cullity (Gift Boxed) Cabernet Malbec, Margaret River