A frequent Gold medal winner, Stones & Bones is so-called because it’s grown in a landscape littered with ancient boulders and dinosaur fossils. In the modern Portuguese tradition, the wine is a blend of local and international grapes. Touriga Nacional, the backbone of vintage port, joins forces with Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante to produce truly mammoth, rich fruit flavours. Equally impressive is the winemaker, Diogo Sepúlveda, who relaxes after work by cycling or playing football, or, more unusually, bull wrestling! Having worked in Pomerol, then in the Barossa with heirloom Shiraz vines, his credentials for making this rich, old vine Portuguese red are second to none. For maximum enjoyment, decant and serve with a rich beef casserole.

We used to think that Sofia Barbanera's regular Saracosa was intense. And then she upped the ante, with this lavish, luscious, silky smooth Saracosa Governo. A limited-edition luxury version of her already indulgent ‘Super Tuscan’, Governo uses an ancient Tuscan method of allowing a portion of the grapes to air dry for a period of time, dialling the flavour concentration way up. Italy’s top critic, Luca Maroni, has long been a fan of the Saracosa reds, and this one is no exception – he has rated both the 2016 and the 2017 vintagehere a stunning 98 points! English wine writer Oz Clarke is also smitten by Governo’s many charms, calling it “indulgent and exotic”. One taste and we think you’ll fall in love with it too.

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.

Grown on volcanic soils, this wine has a deep and intense ruby red appearance. The nose has enticing aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, plums and hints of violets. Full bodied on the palate with lively acidity and firm tannins. Expect flavours of dark fruits, pepper, licorice and vanilla unfolds as you discover the beauty of this wine. The wine has a savoury undertone which will make it a great pairing for slow roasted lamb cooked with rosemary and garlic.

Its colour is a bright ruby red. On the nose, it is clean and precise, with hints or morello cherries, wild berries and a moderate spiciness. The palate reveals a full and firm flavour, expressing all its intensity and elegance.

Established in 1858 by the first king of Italy, Fontanafredda is now the single largest contiguous wine estate in the Langhe region, with a fierce commitment to organic viticulture as well as woodland regeneration. The Platinum label represents the unique tradition of the Estate and more than 160 years of history. This is a serious, brooding Barolo, aged at the Estate for a minimum of 62 months to highlight the complexity, structure and richness of classic Barolo Reserva. Ruby red with the faintest hints of bricking on the edge. Intensely aromatic and complex, with black cherries, tobacco, dried mushrooms, nutmeg, and sweet balsamic notes all vying for attention. Supple, sweet fruit and round, powdery tannins on the palate. So much complexity with nothing out of place.

Located in the hills of southwest Montalcino, the original site was identified for its quality by the Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi in the 1960s, and later launched as partnership between the Marchese and California wine legend Robert Mondavi.