Classic Reds Tasting Kit

The entry-level pinot is wonderfully fragrant and immediately enticing. Pure, plush aromas of cherries and wild red berries are lifted by rose petals, forest floor and a subtle pink peppercorn note. Sleek and sophisticated on the palate, it’s vivid yet silky. Helen Masters believes this may be the finest Crimson she has made.

A darkly-fruited and brambly cabernet sauvignon, with cedar spice from new French oak brilliantly integrated into the intense blackcurrant and blackberry flavours. The 2020 is powerful and ripe, with the rich fruit expression effortlessly balanced by the signature freshness of Kanonkop. While structured to age, the tannins are already approachable and velvety in texture, making this delicious now, but it's still worth a decant.

Full-bodied, intense, and supremely stylish, this has aromas ranging from ripe red and black cherry, to pomegranate, to dried raspberry, and baking spices. The tannins are supple with a silky mouthfeel, and enough structure to support the juicy, sweet core of fruit with a touch of grip on the long, spicy finish. There is a twist of black olive tapenade on the back palate, bringing a sapidity and savour that makes this incredibly moreish. Seghesio have more than 125 years of viticulture in California under their belt and are well recognised as one of the top producers of zinfandel in the state and this, their Sonoma County wine, is a textbook example of serious, ageworthy zin. A wonderful wine to tuck away in your cellar!

A hugely stylish and classically structured Pauillac with the added richness and density from one of Bordeaux's most famous properties in the outstanding 2022 vintage. Deep in colour with aromas of blackberry, plum, cassis and complex cedar, nutmeg and herbaceous undertones the palate is full and richly fruited with supple yet structured tannins and a long, powerful finish. Whilst youthful now the wine benefits from an hour in a decanter before serving, or matured longer to gain added graphite complexity.

The terraced organic vines of Filetta, one of the original and highest sites of Chianti Classico at 600 metres, produces wine of rare fragrance and finesse and well-balanced silky flavour. Violet floral notes combine with bright blueberry and plum flavours, concentrated yet elegant with graphite on the fine finish.

A very impressive wine from 55-year-old vines, well situated mid-slope and adjacent to premier cru Corbeaux. This is rich and soft with seductive succulent fruit and silky tannins. Drink from 2026 to 2035. 13.5%