A Gold, 92pt beauty. Château La Clarière is blessed with 50 different vineyard plots, all ideally situated on the superb limestone plateau from where both Saint-Emilion and Castillon’s finest wines hail. However, the grapes from the Enclos single vineyard, literally five metres from Saint-Emilion’s priciest Grands Crus Classés, have always been kept separate. It’s a vineyard surrounded by hedgerows, shrubs and dotted with trees – its most biodiverse; farmed organically too. All Merlot, carefully fermented on the estate, with regular plunge down and a year’s ageing in part new and part seasoned French oak barrels, it’s a very fine, velvety claret. Open early and preferably decant. It will make a very handsome partner to roast red meats or a cheeseboard.

Bordeaux’s prestigious Médoc is renowned for producing some of the region’s finest reds. Château Vieux Gadet is a red wine crafted at an a third-generation family estate under the careful guidance of winemaker Thierry Trento. Awarded the rare title of ‘Artisan Cru’, reserved only for the smallest, hands-on châteaux, Vieux Gadet is a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend of depth and elegance. Rich layers of ripe red fruit, warm spices and toasty notes unfold across smooth, silky tannins. It’s approachable now, yet structured enough to age beautifully. Pair alongside game, beef, lamb or aged cheeses – this is a true Médoc classic.