Château Duhart-Milon’s second wine is selected on the same basis as the “Grand Vin”. In general, the grapes are from the younger plots in the vineyard. Moulin de Duhart has several characteristics similar to the grand vin, but with less potential for ageing as its barrel ageing period is shorter. It should be consumed younger than its more robust counterpart. The origin of the name comes from the former presence of a windmill on the Carruades plateau, next to the Duhart-Milon vineyard.

Chateau Pavie’s 2021 blend is comprised of 52% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Cabernet Franc, perfectly reflecting the steep, limestone terroir of the estate. 75% of the wine is aged in new oak and the remaining 25% in one-year-old oak barrels. The wine features a full Pavie signature, with a prominent oak influence that complements the wine’s overall excellent quality.

"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."

"Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 19.5%, Cabernet Franc 3%, and Petit Verdot 0.5% This is Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy’s first solo vintage here after Philippe Dhalluin’s retirement. The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is up again; there’s more of an architectural feel than usual. The grand vin had a much stricter selection, so some of its historic parcels are now in this blend. This feels very Cabernet-driven, with notes of lead pencil contributing to a sturdy, spicy bouquet. The tannins are certainly ripe, adding a sense of restraint. This will become quite an interesting wine, presenting a different facet than usual, although it’s not one to be kept very long-term."

"Haut Bailly II is the second wine of Château Haut-Bailly in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. As the younger sibling of the renowned Château Haut-Bailly, Haut Bailly II encapsulates the estate's commitment to quality and tradition. Situated in the revered Pessac-Léognan terroir, the vineyards are blessed with gravelly soils and an ideal climate, making it conducive to cultivating predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The production of Haut Bailly II mirrors the meticulous attention to detail found in Château Haut-Bailly. However, it is crafted to be approachable and enjoyable at a younger age while still showcasing the elegance and characteristics of its parent estate. The resulting wine exudes flavours of red and black fruits, refined tannins, and a well-balanced structure. Haut Bailly II offers enthusiasts an opportunity to experience a taste of Château Haut-Bailly's legacy, delivering a true essence of the Pessac-Léognan appellation in every glass."

Very deep, dark ruby-red, the wine is practically opaque, with a purple rim. Aromas are of restrained and brooding dark-fruit. Dark-plum and damson fruit combines harmoniously with fresh acidity on the palate. The wine has a milky texture and smooth tannins that are so fine. The structure is of mid-weight, but the soft tannins leave a gap on the finish. Alcohol is well in balance, allowing juicy dark-plum fruit to reassert itself on the long, fresh finish.

The Chateau Les Ormes De Pez is an evocative Saint-Estephe blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Age will be kind to this Bordeaux, allowing the palate to round and develop. A touch of sweetness on the nose meets with rich cassis, herbs, and liquorice. On the palate, you will taste candied violets and juicy blackberry, with grippy tannings and a refreshing line of acid. A full-bodied Bordeaux from one of the top value chateau of Saint-Estephe, it finishes long and lingering.

One of the very greatest estates of Bordeaux, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild is in the commune of Pauillac in the Haut-Medoc, 50km north-west of the city of Bordeaux. Its Chateau wine or ‘grand vin’ is among the world’s most highly-rated and expensive. Excluded from the highest rank (Premier Cru or First Growth) of the famous Bordeaux Classification of 1855, Mouton was finally promoted in 1973 after decades of lobbying by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who ran the estate from 1922 until his death in 1988. Mouton was first in the region to bottle at the estate, rather than shipping its wine to merchants for bottling elsewhere. Since 1924 artists including Braque, Dali, Picasso, Henry Moore, Miro, Chagall, Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Lucian Freud have been commissioned to produce artworks for the Mouton label. Since 1924 artists including Braque, Dali, Picasso, Henry Moore, Miro, Chagall, Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Lucian Freud have been commissioned to produce artworks for the Mouton label. Mouton, uniquely among the First Growths, remains in the hands of the same family as it was at the time of the 1855 Classification. The vineyards are on slopes with gravel-based soils leading down to the Gironde estuary and total 75ha – 80pct Cabernet Sauvignon, 16pct Merlot, 3pct Cabernet Franc and 1pct Petit Verdot. The Chateau wine is (unusually) fermented in large oak vats and then matured in new oak barrels for between 19 and 22 months. Total production of the ‘grand vin’ is 20,000 dozen or less. There is a ‘second wine’, Le Petit Mouton, established in 1993. The ‘grand vin’ is noted for its flamboyance – exotic, powerful aromas of cassis, minerals, tobacco leaf and graphite, an opulent palate and impressive length of flavour.

The 2020 CVNE Real de Asùa Carromaza from Rioja, Spain is a wine that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its deep ruby colour catches the eye and promises a rich experience. On the nose, aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and plums, mingle with subtle hints of oak and spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins. Flavors of juicy blackberries, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla dance on the tongue, leaving a long and satisfying finish. This vintage showcases the expertise of CVNE, a renowned winery based in Spain, and truly captures the essence of Rioja. Enjoy this wine with a hearty beef stew or grilled lamb for a truly elevated dining experience.

The EPU Second Label of Almaviva 2022 is a stunning representation of Chilean winemaking. This vintage boasts a deep, ruby red color that catches the eye and invites you to take a sip. On the nose, aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of tobacco and cedar mingle together to create a complex and alluring bouquet. The palate is equally impressive, with bold flavors of blackcurrants, plums, and a touch of vanilla. The tannins are well-integrated and provide a smooth and velvety mouthfeel. This wine is full-bodied with a long, lingering finish, leaving a pleasant memory of its rich and elegant flavors. Overall, the EPU Second Label of Almaviva 2022 is a wine that showcases the best of Chile's terroir and winemaking expertise. It is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal or enjoyed on its own as a true expression of Chilean excellence.