With a slightly warmer climate and fine-tuned, sophisticated winemaking, Bordeaux’s wines have never been better. And being slightly off trend right now, their wines are excellent value too. This is a youthful, ripe claret from a small estate in the village of Saint-Christoly-en-Médoc. Fabien and Amélie Faget bought the property in 2016 and have pursued an environmentally, non-interventionist approach in the vineyard and the cellar. Using a classic Médoc blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it has “good tension and focus … with a firm and chewy mid-palate, nicely filled with vibrant dark fruit” (James Suckling). Open early and decant for optimum drinking. An ideal red with roast meats, firm cheeses or a slow-cooked casserole.

From one of Margaret River's best and original producers, Vasse Felix comes this excellent Cabernet Merlot blend has great concentration of blackcurrant fruit with cedary oak and fine tannins - a style with elegance and finesse rather than power.

Since the first release in 2002, Fraser Gallop Estate have gone from strength to strength, picking up a Jimmy Watson Medal along the way. The Cabernet Merlot is a lovely example of the blend which is so at home in Margaret River. Leafy mulberry on the nose with cassis in the background, and a soft , flavoursome palate. Delicious!

Tucked away in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, next to Saint Emilion, is award winning Château de Colombe, a tiny estate much neglected until we took ownership in 2012. Now it’s being lavished with utmost care in the vineyard and the cellar. Our Head Winemaker, Haut-Brion-trained Jean-Marc Sauboua, quickly spotted the potential of its steep, south-facing slopes and limestone soils. Judging by the 11 Golds won over the last five vintages (two for 2020), he was spot on. 2020 has been unanimously declared as 'exceptional', its fruit deliciously ripe, which has made for a very much ‘drink me now’ style. Merlot with a little of both Cabernets and Malbec, aged a few months in barrel, this red is fruit-rich and supple. For now open early and decant.

LTCf stands for 'little touch of cabernet franc'. This classic Bordeaux blend has plenty of rich and concentrated flavours with fine tannins.

Audrey Wilkinsons Merlot is a mellow, easy approaching style that is packed with ripe plum aromas and subtle oak. It is matured in French and American oak for 18 months, giving the wine soft tannins and a flavoursome finish.

Medium to full bodied wine has soft tannins with hint of berries, plums abd wood. Simply click on the Click & Collect Icon and type in your postcode for your nearest store with availability.

The nose shows complex savoury, earthy, bramble aromas with lifted American oak. The palate is medium bodied with bright red currant and hints of spice and blackberry.