Fine Wine Reds under £35

A wine that is made to be approachable when relatively young, and consistently one of the best value Pauillacs on the market, the 2016 is a blend of 61% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Stylish red-fruit character with fine, silky tannins and an appetising, bright finish.

A nickname that stuck, following a misunderstanding with consultant Michel Rolland in 2014. 100% merlot from a single vineyard block planted to one merlot clone which gives it ‘weight in the mouth, present if supple tannins, and dark chocolate on the palate`, enhanced by smooth dark fruit and fruitcake spice; 50% new oak.

This is one of Chile's best carmenères. Made from a coolish hillside site for this variety to emphasise the plum and cedar aspects and avoid jamminess. This is ripe and powerful but also fresh and balanced. Matured 18 months in barrel to develop aromas and complexity.

Splendidly rich and full-bodied, plummy with hints of blackcurrant and spice. Would be wonderful with a hearty stew. 2020 combines weight of fruit with round tannins and a certain freshness.

A hand-picked selection of Riecine's best grapes in Gaiole, a fascinating and wild part of Chianti Classico, fermented in cement tanks then aged 17 months in big wooden vats. Complex and elegant with refined tannins supporting redcurrant, wild strawberry and cedar spice.

A smooth and exotic Exhibition-label bottling from La Rioja Alta. The 2020 is classic displaying full and rich savoury notes, with gentle spice making this traditional-style Rioja so appealing. This comes from the famous La Rioja Alta bodega, whose wines are known for their finesse as well as depth of flavour. We chose them because they make the very best traditional style of Rioja, released only after long ageing in barrel and bottle. This results in a complex, lengthy wine with fine, delicate texture which is amazingly fragrant and stylish, and deservedly a Wine Champion for 2024.