Is this Australia's best Chardonnay? If not then it shares the rarified air reserved for only the finest examples. Rich yet restrained, with mineral notes, cashew and almond meal, amazing fruit complexity and wonderful length...why not try the benchmark?

The Bonneau du Martray family is recognized as one of the best producers in the Corton appellation, and their Corton-Charlemagne is renowned as one of the benchmarks of the region. Produced from low-yielding vines, 16 different parcels of grapes are vinified separately in order for their respective "terroirs" to be reflected in the final wine. Fermentation begins in stainless steel and after 5 or 6 days is completed in cask. The separate cuvées are matured in one-third new oak barrels for 12 months before being assembled and returned to cask for another 6 months prior to being bottled.

Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (44%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). The chateau wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the chateau comes from 3.5 ha planted to Semillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Chateau Haut Brion), the entire estate has been renovated vineyards, winemaking facilities and the chateau itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.

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.

Chateau Canon is a 1er Grand Cru Classé estate in the St Emilion appellation on Bordeaux’s right bank. The Grand Vin Chateau Canon is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. After harvesting the grapes are meticulously sorted before undergoing fermentation and a two week post-ferment maceration to build tannin structure. Maturation takes place in 60% new French oak for 18 to 20 months. In the best years, Chateau Canon is deeply coloured and plush with ample mouth-coating blue and blackberry fruit.

On the palate it is very vigorous, rich in extracts, with lively and pleasant tannins that are rounded through a skilful use of wood. A powerful, tantalizing Nebbiolo by Luigi Pira with a great ageing potential.