Reputed to be the leading star of the ''Super Seconds'' of Bordeuax, Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is set over 50 hectares of vineyards in the south of St-Julien. The wine is composed from predominately Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with lesser influence from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and spends around 18 months in half new and half seasoned oak barriques. The 2010 vintage has conspired to produce what could arguably called one of the greatest releases of this wine, resplendent with fine, firm tannin, subtle oak, quiet power and a capacity to cellar for another half century.

The Barolo del Commune di La Morra is a wine made from grapes grown in the La Serra, Fossati, Case Nere and Barolo vineyards. Roberto leaves each cluster weighing around 1kg instead of the 500g clusters used for the Cru Baroli. This is a stellar wine and a very good introduction to the range and philosophy of Roberto Voerzio.

Clos Cantenac, a Grand Cru estate nestled within the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux. The estate's history traces back centuries, but it gained renewed prominence under the watchful eye of Martin Krajewski and his family, who brought modernity and a renewed focus on sustainable, organic, and biodynamic practices. The vineyards at Clos Cantenac are meticulously cared for, embracing environmentally friendly techniques that honour the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. Predominantly Merlot, accompanied by Cabernet Franc and a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape varieties thrive in the diverse terroir characterised by clay, limestone, and gravel. The resulting wines are a reflection of the estate's commitment to quality and sustainability. Clos Cantenac wines are known for their elegance, depth, and complexity, offering a sensory journey through the essence of Saint-Émilion. Enthusiasts can relish in each sip, appreciating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Clos Cantenac's vintages, a true tribute to the illustrious Grand Cru of Saint-Émilion.

Few places seem to posses the divinely ordained right to produce Bordeaux’s other iconic export, Sauternes, quite like Clos Haut-Peyaguey. Across 12 hectares of plateau-topping Premier Cru Classé vineyard, Semillon (and a smidge of Sauvignon) grapes patiently wait out summer for the noble rot to set in. We’re talking about botrytis, of course. Once it does, the sweetest grapes are handpicked for vinification before being sent for a French oak siesta. The result is one of the world’s most revered sweet white wines. Unctuous and syrypy; floral and fruity; jammy and spicy: trés magnifique!

With a name that directly translates from French as 'The Soil', the Le Sol Syrah (Shiraz) pays homage to the terroir that creates this rich and evocative wine. With the trademark Gimblett Gravels stony soil, with exhibits amazing refinement and breeding while not relinquishing body and complexity.

Maison Les Alexandrins is a collaboration between two renowned winegrowers from the Rhone Valley - Nicolas Jaboulet and Alexandre Caso. Their wines are crafted in a signature style that is at once contemporary and timeless, and always from exceptional vineyards unearthed by Alexandre Caso, a specialist in the terroirs of the Northern Rhone. The terroir of Hermitage is complex and varied, comprising granite (giving minerality and fine tannins), pebbles (for aromatic richness and complexity), and limestone (for finesse and elegance). These three complementary terroirs all play a role in the final blend. Superb intense dark-red colour with shiny reflections. The nose is powerful and complex, with notes of blackberry and blackcurrant, subtly mixed with notes of wood evoking undergrowth with aromas of sweet spices, a lovely warm smokiness. Perfectly balanced between a powerful and refined structure, freshness and delicacy, with finely crafted tannins on a long, aromatic finish.

HIRSCH VINEYARDS Bohan Dillon Pinot Noir, Sonoma David Hirsch was inspired to create the Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir as an homage to the great village wines of France: a wine full of place and personality, made with the same attention and integrity as the top wines, yet at an incredible price. These are serious Pinot Noir vineyards, farmed biodynamically with great care on the True Sonoma Coast. The Bohan-Dillon is a wine for everyday drinking, yet also has the potential to age. It can be drunk young, guzzled at a picnic, and it pairs perfectly with pizza.

On the rise and rise, Chateau Troplong-Mondot is increasingly considered a peer amongst the 1er Grand Cru Classe producers and perseveres with its lavish, luscious, strking wine styles. The wine is produced by Christine Valette in collusion with famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland, who has been working with the estate since the 1980s, explaining some of the density and power now found in the wine. This 2010 iteration is 90% Merlot and finishes with a balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernt Franc. Consider the wine full-flavoured, dense and rich, but with a grace that belies its 15% alcohol