What better way to start off the 28th Wine Affair Live Auction than with a Chateau Wine Collection? Included in this wine cellar starter set are eight bottles. Each described below.

Chateau Troplong Mondot, 2011 (two bottles)

Superb presentation. Deep and black color with a violet border. Powerful, winy and classy nose with hints of liquorice, menthol, and black fruit. Concentrated and voluptuous mouth with solid tannins toned up by a nice freshness. Very nice, lively and spiced lenght. A great wine with a high ageing potential.

Blend: 89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc

Chateau Graves de Pez, 2011 (two bottles)

Château Graves de Pez is situated on the gravel plateau in Saint-Estéphe, which is considered some of the finest terroir in the appellation. The property is run by the Saint Martin family who knows a thing or two about Saint-Estéphe property after spending a generation at Lafon-Rochet. The wine itself is composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It delivers aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, plum, tobacco, mineral and a herbal edge. Full-bodied with a velvety texture that shows nice structure and balance, ending with a long, chewy finish.

Chateau de Ribebon Reserve, 2014

The 2014 'Reserve' from Château Ribebon is another attractive showing from this estate. This expressive red delivers aromas of dark cherries, ripe black plums woven together with exotic spices, floral, hints of tobacco and a lovely earthy edge. On the palate this is medium to full-bodied with a lovely elegant structure and beautifully balanced with wonderful freshness at its core. Dark plums, spices and floral notes continue to linger on the velvety finish.

Chateau Grand Puy-La Coste, Pauillac, 2011

Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2011 owes its structure and style, yet again, to a significant majority of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) which reflects the richness and potential of the terroir. Its color is a deep and intense red. The bouquet releases the typical aromas of black fruits and blackcurrant with added spices. The attack on the palate is pronounced, showing a structure that is both elegant and balanced. All together the wine allies finesse, freshness and persistence.

Chateau de L'Annon Ciation, 2011

Balanced, fruity & earthy nose of dark fruit, wet soil & leather, palate of black cherry, licorice, black pepper & slightly burnt toast, supple tannins, medium long finish.

Chateau Mascard Haut-Medoc, 2011

Very attractive nose of berries, damp forrest floor, toasted oak, tobacco leaf, pencil shavings and exotic spices. The fruit and oak are very well integrated leading to a tightly wound finish. Drink it now or over the next 10 years.

Gifted by Keith Burwell