CHRISTMAS EVE REDS
2016 Warner’s Corner Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia (£8.95, The Wine Society, 01438 741177 and thewine society.com)
CHUNKY, bold, juicy and Ribena-themed, this is a bargain wine with masses of character made by Coonawarra stars Leconfield. The perfect ‘house’ bottle if you like plush, fruity reds.
2017 Solevari Reserve Syrah, Recas, Romania (£11.99, reduced to £8.99 until December 19, virginwines.co.uk)
I CANNOT begin to tell you just how impressive this wine is. I have never tasted a Syrah like it. In just one sip, you will realise that this bottle forms the vanguard of a new and exciting dawn for Romanian wine. Spicy, cherry-soaked, lively and lip-smacking, this is a complete star.
2017 Henry Fessy Coteaux Bourguignons, Beaujolais, France (£9.50, Marks & Spencer)
LIGHT in frame and a wine to which white wine lovers could easily transition, such is its freshness and purity, this is a youthful, raspberry and red cherryimbued Beaujolais. It can be either chilled or drunk at normal red wine temperature to devastating effect.
2015 Gérard Bertrand Les Aspres Réserve, LanguedocRoussillon, France (£10, Morrisons)
RICH, wintry, briary and powerful, this is a blend of 60 per cent Grenache, a quarter Mourvèdre and 15 per cent Syrah, with 35 per cent of the wine spending nine months in oak barrels. This recipe makes some of the most impactful reds in the world and Les Aspres is a rewarding find. Drink it with hearty stews and pies.
2015 Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California (£13.99, ocado.com)
THIS is a big wine and one that packs so much flavour on board, it is amazing. ‘Zin’ is a lusty, spicy grape and the Californian climate heightens the blueberry and plum notes in Brazin to epic levels here. You have to be a big fan of red to take it on, but there is luxury and indulgence to be found in this swaggering wine.
2015 Château Argadens Bordeaux Supérieur, France (£11.50, Tanners, 01743 234455 and tanners-wines.co.uk)
2015 was a superb vintage in Bordeaux. This is evident in the depth of flavour in the mid-palate of this lovely wine. Decant it to allow the aromas to emerge and you’ll be in the presence of a wine tailor-made for roast beef and all the trimmings.