Blaye, on the Right Bank of the Gironde, offers outstanding claret at affordable prices. This is thanks to a growing number of producers determined to match the standards of Saint-Emilion nearby. Les Grands Maréchaux has been on top form since new owners, Christopher Reboul Salze and Etienne Barre, bought it in 1997. They introduced the legendary Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant (he has worked at many top Saint-Emilion estates, including La Mondotte, Canon La Gaffelière and Pavie Macquin). A fine Merlot-rich claret that always offers exceptional value and here with a decade of age. Stand the bottle upright to allow any sediment to drop to the bottom. Then pour carefully. Enjoy with simple game, roast chicken or mushroom goulash.

Grapes for this fine Gran Reserva were taken from 30 to 60 year old vines grown at 400 metres above sea level – key to the wine’s elegance, richness and complexity. Matured in French and American oak to lend subtle spice notes, this fine Gran Reserva makes a delicious partner to game or lamb. Best to decant early.

Andresen passionately believe that port is one of the world’s finest wines – and have won a host of awards from international competitions. Thanks to their dedication to quality at all levels their ready to drink ruby port is seductively luscious. Established in 1849, Andresen are one of the last remaining family owned and run port houses. They have built a stellar reputation based on using an ultra rigorous grape selection to make only the finest wines. Owner Carlos Flores de los Santos presides over a magnificent collection of aged ports, resting in barrel in his extensive cellars, and is ably assisted by chief winemaker Alvaro Van Zeller – the former Head of Tasting at the Port Wine Institute. Ruby is the youngest, fruitiest style of port, aged for no more than two years. This strikingly powerful cousin of the vintage style can be enjoyed without decades of ageing. Andresen Ruby makes a delightful after dinner tipple, delicious as a glass on its own or with mature Stilton.

This Reserve Shiraz is deep in colour with the aromas and flavours of dark plums, blackberries, milk chocolate and spice with fine French Oak tannins.

A complex, vibrant nose with attractive aromas of charcuterie overlaid by intense floral and spice notes. Very bright, intense black fruit flavours on the palate, lots of spice like cinnamon and vanilla custard notes. Blueberry fruit creamy texture. Very long velvety finish.

Bleasdale is “one of the most historic wineries in Australia ... in 2015 celebrating 165 years of continuous winemaking by the direct descendants of the founding Potts family.” (James Halliday). Last year, winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender” , was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year. This “clever” 96pt blend shows his skill and style. “Clever cabernet-dominant blend incorporating malbec, franc, merlot and petit verdot to great effect. Red and black fruited, leafy cabernet, fine savoury tannins, line and length to burn. Gold at the National Wine Show ‘17 speaks volumes ... 96pts” (Halliday).

A true rarity – Pinot Meunier, known as a constituent of some Champagnes, adding richness and body – is very rarely vinified on its own anywhere in the world. As winemaker Bryan Currie shows, it can be done, and very well. “Light in colour but it has its kicking boots on. Cranberry, red cherry, meaty spice and wood smoke flavours combine beautifully. It kicks quality goals from start to finish; tannin, acid and texture are all in good form too... 93 points” (Halliday).

Founded in 1970, Mountadam Vineyards excels at crafting first-class wines like this spicy and fragrant cool-climate Shiraz from the rugged and remote Eden Valley. Youthful deep dark red. Spicy, slightly herbal lift over plum and redcurrant fruit. A medium-bodied, cool climate style with stalky whole bunch notes, white pepper and cedar over fresh red berry fruit, and a a clean, dry and supple finish.