The Christmas Dinner Case

This is a more ambitious style of Crozes and comes towards the top of this estate`s range. Emmanuel Darnaud is the son-in-law of Bernard Faurie, a legendary figure on Hermitage. This comes from older vines and was raised in barrel so it has more complexity of flavour and richness.

A silky smooth blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon and 45% merlot from the superb 2019 vintage, this is now drinking beautifully. With vibrant, refreshing cabernet fruit combining with plump, velvety merlot this is a harmoniously balanced left bank claret of impressive purity and length. A Sunday roast classic. For more on the story of this wine, please scroll down.

Refined, clean cut Saar riesling from the famous Scharzhofberg slope, home to some of the world's greatest riesling. This is a finely etched and long German white.

Ripe, yet fresh and well-balanced Pouilly-Fuissé from the inimitable Frédéric Burrier. 50% of the cuvée is fermented in oak `pièces` (228-litre Burgundian barrels), the rest in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to retain maximum freshness and fruit. It is one of the best entry-level Pouilly-Fuissés we`ve tasted.

Pure and mineral sauvignon blanc from Radford Dale's new organic estate in the cool Elgin region of South Africa. Fermented and matured in concrete eggs to ensure freshness of fruit whilst also improving mouthfeel. Citrus, peach and wet slate dominate this elegant sauvignon. One for Loire lovers over Kiwi exuberance.

Barbera is too often overlooked in favour of nebbiolo, but made in this crunchy, cherry and blackberry-bright style it is a wonderful find from north-west Italy that offers great charm and value.