Its vineyards are nearly all planted to Merlot, with a small amount of Cabernet Franc, and tended with meticulous care. As you can see from critics' scores, it is an admired claret and one that ages very well too. Matured in French oak (50% new), it has structure and length, but above all an appealing depth of luscious fruit and spice – like Christmas in a glass! It’s a luxurious sipper, ideal with cheese after the Christmas feast. “Spiced plums and cocoa-dusted blueberries ... Succulent" (James Suckling, 94pts)

The hottest name coming from Romania is Cramele Recas. Founded in 1998, this pioneering cellar leads the field in premium wines, with an up-to-the-minute winery and vineyards that were first planted in 1447. Englishman Philip Cox and his Romanian wife started the estate, bringing in winemaking expertise from Oz, Hartley Smithers, and Spain, Nora Iriate. Their bottles have even caught the attention of The Telegraph and The Drinks Business who have written rave reviews about their vibrant, characterful wines.

This silky smooth Merlot is part of their new Babele range, named after the Romanian tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring. Bright and succulent, it has a wealth of drink-me-now flavours. Great solo or with grilled meats.

Château du Gazin is a family-owned château located on the famous Right Bank near Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. It was established in 1532, complete with a castle and dovecote, which showed its prestige. It has been owned for the last 80 years by the Robert family, who have once again built it into a prestigious estate.

Their lovely Château du Gazin Bordeaux comes from vineyards in Canon-Fronsac AOC, an appellation with clay-limestone soils similar to those of Saint-Émilion, renowned for its big, full-bodied reds. A lavish blend of velvety, plummy Merlot with red berry Cabernet Franc and inky Malbec, it has delicious aromas of black fruit, plums and cherries, and a woody tobacco note. The palate is smooth and textured, the luscious fruit and fine tannins all in beautiful balance. It’s a seamless, luxury wine with a decadently long finish … decant and serve with your finest roast meats.

Ludovic Roussillon is one of the top viticulteurs in Bordeaux’s Entre-Deux-Mers. He knows how to coax the very best out of his soils to get the most flavour in his grapes. Work hard in the vineyard and the wine almost makes itself, he says. We’ve worked with Ludovic for a number of years, enjoying both his red and his white from Château Le Coin. This is another wine from his vineyards – mostly Merlot, with a little Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – all vinified to bring out the fruit richness, supported by sleek tannins.

Rethink Bordeaux with this supple, generously fruity, rounded red. It’s already drinking really well, with or without food. Roast beef, full flavoured pasta dishes, charcuterie, cheese – this wine is very versatile.

Awarded two Gold medals, this is a rich, flavoursome claret from the exceptional 2020 vintage. We pride ourselves on the art of finding great quality, good value Bordeaux.