On the grapevine

Wine deliveries: Now that we are all under lockdown, the best way to restock your wine rack is by calling your local independent wine merchant. After a really busy December they are still gathering their breath but they will be delighted to hear from you, and let you know when they are next passing your door. Also well worth checking out is the Waitrose mail-order system (waitrosecellar.com), which brings the retailer’s whole range to your door. Waitrose has a regular series of offers which knocks 25 per cent off a substantial chunk of its range so it is worth keeping an eye on the website.

Gin on wheels: If you have made serious inroads into your gin stock,

York Gin will dash round with another bottle or two, so long as you live in York. Despite being introduced just as a Christmas special, it has decided that its spectacular chocolate and orange gin will stay in the range, so if you haven’t tried it, make sure you taste it. It comes in a set of three mini bottles containing 5cl each at £18, or head for the full-size

70cl bottle at £39.

Melsonby magnums: There are some splendid bargains in the sale at Melsonby-based Bon Coeur which started yesterday. Look out for magnums of Premier Cru Chablis 2017, from Jean Dauvissat, down from £49.99 to £44. Surely, some day soon, we should be able to invite enough guests to make it worth opening a magnum bottle again. Also worth a look is Bon Coeur’s fabulous collection of Bordeaux. Try Ch. HautBeychevelle Gloria 2015, St Julien, down from £28.99 to £26. Email Bon Coeur for the full list, wine@bcfw.co.uk.