As close as you get to genuine Châteauneuf power – and with a Gold medal pedigree too, winning Gold for the last eight vintages. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are the three mainstays of this champion that boasts layers of velvety ripe black fruit, liquorice and spicy complexity. It's from the only co-operative cellar in Châteauneuf du Pape, the top appellation of the southern Rhône, and is owned and run by local growers. The grapes are from vineyards that abut the famous name appellation and share the same stone strewn soil that promotes superb ripeness and richness of fruit. The vines are old and gnarled, producing few grapes but with rare concentration of flavour. It's made by Châteauneuf winemaker Thierry Ferlay ... and it's very, very good!

A South Australian blend of spicy Shiraz and fruity Cabernet that pays homage to a much-loved classic car. A consistent source of driving (and now drinking) pleasure.

Malbec is a grape close to Sam's heart. His wife Maria, who works with him, is from Argentina, so perhaps that's not surprising. He also has a passion for th Durif grape and has done for decades. His car licence plate even reads 'DURIF'. What he loves most though is making wines that wine lovers adore. And he has been doing that for years very well indeed. We've worked with him for decades, and this shy, modest man is a simply brilliant at creating wines that show judges - and our customers love! His Grandfathers back in Italy began thhe winemaking tradion of the Trimboli family, they would be very proud of Sam.

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.

Punnets of strawberry, blackberry and raspberry flavour are miraculously shoehorned into a standard size bottle, while ageing in American oak adds a spicy, toasty finishing touch. 'Big Mac' McPherson grew up in the world of wine, tutored by his father Jock, who had established a winery in the Hunter Valley. Andrew went on to set up wineries at home and abroad and work for some Australia's top names. These days he crafts characterful wines by himself at great value prices. The Full Fifteen is perfect with roast beef or lamb and a wonderful companion to barbecues.

Portuga is made by Casa Santos Lima, a grand Portuguese estate in the Lisboa region, just north of the capitol. João Santos Lima founded it in the 19th century and it has been in the same family for three generations. Diogo Sepúlveda is the winemaker today. He has worked vintages all across the world, including Bordeaux's prestigious Pomerol and California's Napa Valley. He is a talented winemaker, who relaxes in his spare time by wrestling bulls (all muscle, no knives!). Portuga is a rich, velvety blend of traditional native varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, aged gently in oak. Delicious either served on its own, with rich pork dishes, or tangy tomato pasta. It's an ideal wine for a barbecue too or with mature hard cheeses.

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” (Halliday). Among many major awards, they’ve won the Jimmy Watson Trophy and winemaker Paul Hotker, a “master blender” , was named Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year 2018. The winery was recently shortlisted for Best Value Winery 2023 in the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Matured for 9 months in 10% new French and American oak barrels. A truly regional Langhorne Creek blend (49/40/11% shiraz/cabernet sauvignon/malbec) which offers some spice and mid-dark chocolate to the palate. It's succulent, with all elements in unison. It's also stupidly good value... Great Value... 92pts" (Tony Love, Halliday Wine Companion).