Our friend Bob Berton makes a number of very popular wines exclusively for us and All Out Merlot is a terrific introduction to his range. It’s vibrant and fruity, smooth and moreish, and really good value. Bob began as an accountant, advising folk on how to run their businesses. Having never run one himself, it didn't sit well. So he went to work for a winery to get some real world experience and never looked back.

After winemaking for some big names, he set up his own winery in 2005 and quickly gained a listing in James Halliday’s definitive Australian Wine Companion. With aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum, this attractive Merlot is easy to enjoy on its own and partners simple meals like chops, roast chicken or vegetarian moussaka.

It’s from Primicia, a bodega adored by customers and also by fine wine guru Robert Parker. He is full of praise for their fruity, modern Riojas.

Classic Rioja fans will love this red, with all its moreish, silky, ripe berry fruit tempered by toasty spice. No wonder the late Spanish expert John Radford listed Primicia among his top 20 Rioja bodegas. It’s a family estate, founded by three brothers, and has over the years won many awards. This 2021 is made from 100% strawberry-scented Tempranillo, from mature, low-yielding vineyards.

Winemaker Fernando Domingo matured the wine in American oak barrels for four months – just enough to flatter the fruit with gentle toasty spice and hints of vanilla, while letting plenty of exuberant, youthful fruit character shine through. A delight on its own, this wine is spot on with garlic chicken, lamb chops with rosemary or a selection of tapas.

Bordeaux was blessed in 2019. "The vintage is looking very good" said Jancis Robinson MW, "harmony, balance and freshness are definitely the hallmarks of 2019" declared James Suckling. This is a very appealing claret from a third-generation estate that also impressed the judges, taking two Golds.

It's situated in Auriolles, in the Entre-Deux-Mers and since the current generation, David Mauro, took over, he has started to convert the vineyards to organic. The aim is to improve the health of the land and create a wine with even more richness and depth. The vines on the property are on average 45 years old, producing a moderate amount of concentrated grapes. Mostly Merlot with a little Cabernet Sauvignon, this is an appealing, supple claret.