<p><b>Château Palmer</b></p> Château Palmer is a third growth (3ème Cru Classé) property located in the centre of the Margaux appellation on a sparse gravel plateau. After Chateau Margaux itself, Chateau Palmer is considered to be one of the top estates of Margaux and is described as a super second’. The estate has 55 hectares of vineyards planted to 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. Chateau Palmer's relatively high Merlot content in the Grand Vin makes it appear similar in style and structure to the great wines of Pomerol and St-Emilion. A second wine called Alter Ego is also produced.

<p>In 2002, husband and wife Bryan and Jocelyn Martin, and David Martin (Bryan&rsquo;s brother) bought a vineyard in Murrumbateman. They undertook a programme of regrafting, pulling and planting vines. Today, the lion&rsquo;s share is Shiraz but there&rsquo;s also a good measure of Riesling, Sangiovese, and some select white Rh&ocirc;ne regulars like Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Then there&rsquo;s some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and more recently some Gamay and Nebbiolo. Most everything grows well in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pichot family is one of the oldest in Vouvray with origins as viticulturists and restaurateurs going back to 1739. Their vineyard holdings are located mostly in the prime sites of Le Mont and Haut Lieu at the top of the village, with several other holdings scattered throughout the appellation. All harvesting is done by hand and yields are kept low at an average 25 hl/ha.</p> <p><strong>Domaine Pichot</strong> is an amalgamation of the properties of the father (Jean-Claude) <strong>&lsquo;Coteau de la Biche&rsquo;</strong> and the son (Christophe)<strong> &lsquo;Peu de la Moriette&rsquo;</strong>, hence the different labels bearing the name Pichot. The Pichot&rsquo;s are well known for the brilliant quality of the stunning sweet wines, although their dry and demi-sec wines are also superb. Right across the range these are remarkably good value wines that will also provide great satisfaction from a young age.</p>