SWEET AND FORTIFIED
NV De Bortoli Sumptuously Rich Pudding Wine, New South Wales, Australia (Half bottle, £8.99, Aldi)
THIS stunning coffee and caramel-soaked tipple is the definitive Christmas pudding wine of the year. It’s aged in oak barrels for eight years, which brings huge spice, sweetness and intensity to the taste. Superb value and massively flavour-packed, this knockout drink will shock you with its impact.
NV Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain (£10.99, reduced to £9.29 until January 1, Waitrose)
MY FAVOURITE Manzanilla of all, The Gypsy is a bonedry, super-sharp, ultrarefreshing sherry with a salty, citrusy flavour. It goes with all manner of tapas and seems to be able to bring the palate back to life after a few big dinners, allowing you to reset your senses. An essential addition to your entertaining repertoire.
NV Penfolds Father 10-year-old Grand Tawny, South Australia (£19.50, Morrisons)
THE most famous Australian wine company of all makes this bonkers, port-style wine, and it is so classy, rich and allenveloping that it will top off any feast in Olympic style. While you might start with small glasses, I can assure you they will fill up again fast, because this is a wonderful creation — and it works amazingly well with a large box of chocolates.
2004 Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha Port, Portugal (£27, reduced to £20 until January 1, Morrisons)
I CANNOT believe the discount on this elite port from one of the finest labels of all. With stunning depth and nobility, this 14-year-old wine is at the peak of its life. Port is one of the most under-priced and yet legendary wine styles on the planet.
2017 Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling, Clare Valley, South Australia (Half bottle, £22, Oddbins)
THROW caution to the wind and drink the finest sweet Riesling in the Southern Hemisphere this Christmas. Mount Horrocks’s owner, Stephanie Toole, has mastered the art of making celestial wines year in, year out. This mildly tropical sweetie will be an other-worldly treat for your tastebuds.