Château Corbin 2006, Montaigne Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France ....................................................  65

Château Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint Emilion. The foundations of the Château date back to the 15^th Century, and according to the legend it was the stronghold of the Black Prince. The present building was erected in the middle of the 19^th Century, and purchased in 1924 by the great-grandparents of the current owners. The Corbin Vineyards stretch over 13 ha (32 acres). Its soil types allows for the great complexity of the wine. Yields are deliberately restricted, and only the best grapes from oldest plots are used to ensure the continuous quality of the Château Corbin wines. This red is typically 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has been described as having a great St Emilion character, with the dominant flavours of dark fruits (especially cherries and blackberries). The mouth is supple with easy flowing flavour, building up to a long finish, with a good balance of peppery oak spice and well-integrated tannins. We recommend it as a match to our red meats as well as a great accompaniment to our selection of cheeses.

Château Saint Jacques 2006 Bordeaux Supérior, Bordeaux, France ....................................................  60

Château de Saint Jacques comes from a small plot of vines bordering Château Siran in Margaux. The site is famous for its soil, which produced well-balanced wines, deep in structure. The wine is based on 40% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes; the inclusion of 37% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc grapes adds a layered complexity to this drop. This wonderful Bordeaux is great match to any of our red meats dishes, as well charcuterie or cheese platters.

Château Noaillac Médoc Crus Bourgeois 2006, Bordeaux, France ......................................................  75

This vineyard in the famous Médoc region traces its origins to the 13th Century, and the Château Noaillac to 1460 when it was owned by a Dame Jeanne de Commessac. From the 17^th century, the property belonged to the family of the Duke d’Epernon de Lesparre and his descendants. It was acquired in 1983 by the winemaker Marc Pagès, who has restored the Chateau and substantially replanted its vineyards. Château Noaillac is currently owned by his son Xavier and grandson Damien Pagès.  The cuvée typically consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its concentrated tannins and intense structure; 55% Merlot Noir, appreciated for its aromatic complexity and smoothness; and 5% Petit Verdot, which gives the wine its concentration of dark fruits. The dark crimson colour perfectly expresses the concentration typical of this wine. Power and density dominate a round mouth, finishing on long savoury tannins. The wine is a perfect accompaniment to red meat, rabbit, duck, and other game dishes.

Les Piliers de Château Maison Blanche, Montaigne Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, 2005 .......................  85

Situated in Saint Emilion, not far from Château Corbin (see above), Château Maison Blanche stands on the lands where vines have been cultivated since the Roman times. In the 1830s, the lands were purchased by the Constant family. The grand-daughter of the original owner had built an elegant chateau, which was constructed entirely from of white stone. Thus Château Maison Blanche was born. From the 1930s, the vineyard was owned by the famous winemaker Louis Rapin, after whom a number of the estate’s wines are named. From the 1970s, the property has passed to the Despagne family, which has been involved in the wine-making industry of this prestigious community for more than 300 years. From 2006, the present owners of Château Maison Blanche, Nicholas Despagne and his sister Nathalie, have concentrated on strictly organic methods of wine production.

“Les Piliers de Maison Blanche” refers to the pillars at the entrance to the château. In a similar way, this wine serves as an introduction to the wines of this house. It is produced and bottled at the chateau at the annual rate of no more than 9,000 bottles. The wine is typically 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, and is made from older as well as from some of the youngest plantings of the domain. The method of production is a purely organic and natural vinification, without the use of additives or boosters. The resulting drop produces a lighter red, which is renowned for its fruit and can be enjoyed within 2 to 3 years – meaning that 2010 is the perfect year to open it! We recommend it with our red meat dishes as well as a great accompaniment to our selection of cheeses.

Château Philao la Gravelle 2004, Bordeaux, France............................................................................... 49.5

This is yet another representative of the famous Saint-Emilien wine-making region. The owners Frédéric and Nadia Bayle are producing a fine red, which is destined for a great future and will delight wine connoisseurs. Château Philao la Gravelle Bordeaux is typically 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. It has a lovely dark appearance with flashes of vibrant brilliance; powerful nose with well-ripened and fully present fruit. Notes of plum and blackberry are increasingly noticeable as the nose opens up. The wine has a smooth mouth and silky tannins; the whole effect is generous and well-balanced. This wine would go great with our steaks, as well as rabbit, duck, and other game dishes.