Wine Spectator calls Portugal “the most exciting wine place on the planet”, with its terrific range of native grape varieties and wines that always offer standout value. The rich, mouthfilling Lobo e Falcão fits firmly in that category. It’s made at a 17th century estate owned by the Lobo de Vasconcellos family, once the location of the king’s falconry. Special barrels of wine were kept for the king when he visited. Today, talented winemaker Joana Lopes makes this red specially for us, blending Syrah with Portugal’s exciting native grapes. Previously awarded a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Award, the 2018 has lovely intensity of flavour due to another low yield year. Generous wild berry fruit and spice with a velvet texture – a very moreish red.

ARNOT-ROBERTS Clary Ranch Syrah, Sonoma Coast Fruit for the Arnot-Roberts Sonoma Coast Syrah is sourced from six farmed organic and sustainable vineyards. At the winery, the grapes are 100% whole cluster fermented with native yeasts and aged in French oak. The wine is deep and concentrated, marked by flavours of plum, red berries, fresh herbs, and spice.