Winter 1874 Claret Best Buys Case

This very appealing, well-balanced claret comes from vines in the Lamarque commune in Bordeaux, between Margaux and Saint-Julien. The wine is a blend of 60% merlot. 24% cabernet sauvignon and 16% petit verdot and displays the hallmark balance and freshness of the 2016 vintage at a keen price.

The 2019 of this claret shows good fruit concentration and ripe tannins, with appealing balance. There is lovely berry-fruit character and a savoury note on the finish of this Bordeaux, rejuvenated after a little more time in bottle. Another fine vintage from the Bassereau family.

A fragrant, vibrant claret from Thierry Lurton's fairytale right bank property. Made mainly from sustainably grown merlot, the wine has good concentration and plump, ripe fruit on the palate that will open up beautifully when decanted.

A rich, yet supple Bordeaux blend of two-thirds cabernet sauvignon and the balance merlot, grown on two well-sited, gravelly outcrops that are ideally suited to these varieties. Generous, modern-style Graves from the Dubourdieu family.

With deep colour and scented bouquet of red fruits and a touch of spice, this is juicy right bank claret with good density and tannic structure. Du Payre is a family-owned Bordeaux estate that has passed from mother to daughter for five generations.

From the Dubourdieu family's fine Bordeaux property in Béguey, a seductive claret with deep colour and intense berry fruit on the nose. Generous, yet refreshing, with a hint of creamy vanilla oak on the finish.