After a couple of decades of fits and starts, this Second Growth property in Margaux is back on point. Now wines are made in a distinctly modern style: fragrant, rich and sweet. Credit the capital infusion from U.S.-based Colony Capital, who purchased the estate in 2001 and invested heavily in modernization. Usual suspect Michel Rolland has also been in the mix, assisting in the cellars.

While the estate's vines are 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot, the Grand Vin is generally around 55% Cabernet. The bulk of the Merlot enters into the estate's second wine: Chevalier de Lascombes. Vineyards are planted according to varietal and soil type. Merlot is planted on clay-limestone and clay-gravel soil, Cabernet on clay-limestone and gravel, and Petit Verdot entirely on gravel soil. 20,000 cases of the eponymous Grand Vin are produced each year, along with 5-6,000 cases of the second wine.