12. the bordeaux varieties

cabernet sauvignon & MERLOT

This closely fought class concentrates on the grapes grown in Bordeaux, France, so when these grapes are grown in other countries around the globe, the resulting wines are a ‘Bordeaux Blend’. The three wines below are spectacular versions of this world-famous style of red wine.

2012 Château Lamothe-bergeron, Cru Bourgeois HautMédoc, Bordeaux FRANCE (£14, reduced to £13 until 3

January, Co-op) Pay special attention here – this is one of the best-value bottles around and it is seven years old, so at its peak. It’s made from 55% merlot and 45% cabernet sauvignon by the stellar wine consultant Hubert de Boüard de Laforest. If you love classic claret – and we Brits are one of the most important markets in the world for this style – you will be delighted to make your acquaintance with this wine.

2018 Wolf Blass, Yellow Label Malbec AUSTRALIA (£8.50, or buy 3 for £18 until

17 December, Morrisons) This clever wine tucks an important 6% shiraz and 6% cabernet sauvignon into its mix, adding

extra dimensions of flavour. There is 10% Hungarian oak used, too, which brings a spice and silkiness. This wine has a flavour which is twice the price, so don’t delay in tracking it down. Give it the biggest glasses you can and swirl like a demon – it loves to be aerated and its aroma will expand greatly in the glass.

2017 Penfolds, Koonunga Hill Shiraz/cabernet AUSTRALIA (£10, reduced to £9 until 1 January, Sainsbury’s) This wonderful wine is

both heroic and inexpensive. It is a little lighter and creamier than the amazing 2016 vintage, which was in last year’s 100 Best Australian Wines Report, but this makes it more immediately appealing and juicy. This is one of the world’s finest-value red wines and you can find it in many supermarkets in virtually every corner of the UK. Made by Australia’s most famous wine brand, Penfolds, this is an elite wine at an everyday price – and you’ll enjoy every sip.