PERFECT BOXING DAY REDS

2015 Paul Mas, Vinus Malbec, Languedoc, France £8, reduced to £6 until Jan 1, Morrisons WITH a dribble of cabernet franc lobbed into this lusty malbec, to bring a crisp finish and violet and rose notes to the nose, this is a high-intellect red wine which is sold for a bafflingly competitive price. Paul Mas is a master craftsman, and this is a perfect example of his skill. 2014 Ventoux, Delas, Southern Rhône, France £6.49, Co-op MEATY, rich, swarthy and solid, this is a stunning bargain because it is so chunky and full — and yet so blisteringly cheap that it defies belief. Remember, this is a proper wine company making a red from a time-honoured recipe and the results are simply astounding. Drink with mighty meat dishes or awesome cheeses. 2014 Château Les Martins, Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, France £8.49, 76 branches of Waitrose A BLEND dominated by merlot, this wine sees no oak at all and so the flavour is clean, fresh, red-berry-soaked and rather lip-smacking. It’s an inexpensive way to experience a lighter style of claret made with very good-quality fruit — and one you can enjoy with a vast range of Christmas grub. 2013 Jaboulet, Syrah, Rhône/ Languedoc, France £9.99, reduced to £8.49 each in a ‘mix six’ deal, until Jan 30, Majestic JABOULET is one of the most famous names in France, and this entry-level wine, made from both Rhône and Languedoc syrah, has all the hallmarks of their estate, even though it costs a fraction of the price of their more collectible wine. This is posh syrah for wine aficionados at a highly advantageous price. 2014 Viñalba, Reservado Cabernet / Malbec / Merlot, Patagonia, Argentina £10, reduced to £8.50, until Dec 13, Sainsbury’s BIG, rich, heady and full-bodied, this is a massively engaging wine with huge shoulders and a muscular frame. Decant it for maximum pleasure and make sure that you are up for a huge avalanche of black fruit flavour because that’s what this luscious wine does best. 2014 Tesco finest*, The Trilogy Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina £11, Tesco MADE by the most famous estate in Argentina, Catena, this is a powerful, imposing, inky-black wine with a surprisingly subtle palate. Sourced from three superb vineyards, hence the name, this gentle giant sees both French and American oak for extra complexity.