When I came over the high pass south into the Agly Valley in the 70s, I was captivated by the ancient vines on steep, terraced hills, topped by high, ruined castles. It was wild 'unknown' territory. That's where bestselling Cabalié, made by the legendary Hervé Sabardeil, is from. Hervé buys grapes for Cabalié from many vineyards, but the best grapes came from two vineyards of 100-year-old vines on schist/granite soils. They are two of France's oldest vineyards, lying on steep, terraced hillsides. When Hervé learned the farmer was retiring, he bought those two vineyards – and thus we have the 'Grand Cru' Origine … the purest essence of Cabalié … made solely from those two vineyards. It's a nearly all dark, spiced Carignan, with a few rows of silky Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, which add to the incredibly rich fruit and luscious texture.

Today it is famous for breeding Lusitano dressage horses – and, of course, its very fine wine.

Lobo e Falcão Centenário Grande Reserva 2020 comes from José's secret tiny vineyard. It’s his ancient‘illegal’vineyard of 100-year-old – and even older – vines.‘Illegal’because the authorities argue that these old vines should not have the right to the Tejo denomination … simply because the vines are planted amidst equally ancient olive trees. But José refuses to stop making it. One taste will show you why! Just like the old days, the grapes are hand-picked and trodden by foot in the cellar's traditional old‘lagars’(stone troughs). Lavishly dense with velvety black fruits, dark chocolate and spice on a long, sumptuous finish, It’s absolutely spectacular

So we were thrilled when Andrew McPherson decided to craft a special Reserve edition.

It’s been made in honour of Andrew’s mother Doreen, a woman who embodied Australia’s great pioneering spirit and whose devotion to family inspired everyone around her.

To call this Andrew’s special project red is an understatement. He seeks out premium parcels of old vine Shiraz and Cabernet from acclaimed Victorian vineyards and treats the wine to long, luxurious ageing in finest oak barrels.

The result is a berry laden, richly concentrated, spicy red. Serve with prime steak or roast lamb.

An elite red with all the pedigree of the world’s finest wines. Think the great reds of Bordeaux, but richer and denser – swirling with dark fruits and seductive spices. Flavours that linger well after you’ve put down the glass. So where’s this stunning red from? France? Italy? Spain? No, it’s Lebanon. Called “the wine world’s best-kept secret” by Master of Wine Tim Atkin, this country has been making fine wines for thousands of years.

Not to mention, Ixsir winery is one of Lebanon’s best. No surprise really, considering the legend who works for them. Hubert de Boüard is the winemaker behind Saint-Émilion’s £250-a-bottle Château Angélus. At a much kinder price this sophisticated, spicy red is a special treat that's hard to put down.

It uses Grenache and Carignan from his 100+ year old Maury Sec vines, and the wine is barrel aged. Powerful yet elegant, balanced and long.

The Manzanos family have over 125 years of history as grape growers, and just in 2002 completed a state of the art winery. This bodega lies in Rioja Alavesa, where the rivers Ebro and Ega join, which affords beautiful views over the landscape. The early death of their father saw the fifth generation, Victor and David Manzanos (still only in their 20s), take up the reins, and judging by recent reviews they are doing an excellent job.

The grapes for this Reserva – Tempranillo with a high proportion of Graciano and Garnacha – all come from high vineyards, at least 40 years old. Even then, only the very best go into the wine. Ageing in small barriques for two years and the rest in bottle has added layers of complexity that will slowly unfurl.