Few places seem to posses the divinely ordained right to produce Bordeaux’s other iconic export, Sauternes, quite like Clos Haut-Peyaguey. Across 12 hectares of plateau-topping Premier Cru Classé vineyard, Semillon (and a smidge of Sauvignon) grapes patiently wait out summer for the noble rot to set in. We’re talking about botrytis, of course. Once it does, the sweetest grapes are handpicked for vinification before being sent for a French oak siesta. The result is one of the world’s most revered sweet white wines. Unctuous and syrypy; floral and fruity; jammy and spicy: trés magnifique!

Christmas in a bottle, Morris have been producing some of the worlds finest fortified wines for over 150 years now. Their Rare Liqueur Muscat is rich and viscous with memorising palate density. The perfect partner to rich desserts and powerful cheese platters.

Christmas cake dark colour, with tinges of olive green at the rim. Thick and viscous in the glass. The aromas combine the impression of great age with tremendous vitality. Deep and brooding, reminiscent of curious characters such as cold tea, leather, tobacco and malt, coupled with pretty honeysuckle and barley sugar notes. Then the flavours, simultaneously almost impossibly sweet, tart and intense. It has rich malt, polished leather, bursts of raisined fruit, vibrant spice and earthy warmth. The initial sweetness gives way to mouth watering acidity and tactile graininess followed by a constantly developing finish that lasts for minutes. Almost overwhelming at first, even the tiniest sip is immensely satisfying and yet decadently moreish.

The important Sauternes property Chateau Suduiraut lies alongside Chateau dYquem and was ranked 1er Cru in the Bordeaux classification of 1855. Suduiraut can boast a history going back to 1580 although in 1992 it joined a family of properties, including Chateau Pichon Baron in Pauillac and Chateau Petit Village in Pomerol, owned by the French insurance giant AXA. Suduiraut, noted for its finesse and subtle complexity, is one of a small group of Sauternes producers which have emerged as worthy rivals to their famous neighbour. The 200ha property has 92ha under vine, mostly on gravel, sand and clay soils.