Generous, with a nice layered texture from a combination of barrel fermentation, sur-lies ageing and partial malo-lactic fermentation. Spicy apple and pear is complemented by butterscotch and nutmeg characters from new American oak.

This wine is made by Kevin Shannon from grapes grown in cool coastal Monterey vineyards. Terrific value for money, it shows ripe varietal characters such as tropical fruit and light buttery flavours, balanced by crisp acidity.

Expressive aromas of white flowers, crisp apple and toasty bread, and a palate of citrus, pear and stone fruit, with a good acidity to balance its subtle oak.

A rich and powerful wine that opens up with masses of crème caramel and vanilla bean aromas, progressing on to baked apple and nutty characters. The palate is white peach and caramel, with a flourish of honey. Balanced, creamy and full bodied. Would go fantastically with something like a lobster bisque.

Complex and understated, this wine has lovely structure. Cherry on the nose is followed by subtle tea and red fruits on the palate, finishing off with some smooth but confident tannins.

Ripe raspberry, juniper and cinnamon, with a toasty clove finish.

Savoury green olive and herbs, together with gentle red fruit. Flavours of redcurrant, plum and cedar come through on the palate, and sleek tannins complete this Merlot brilliantly.

This iconic red Bordeaux blend is packed with rich cassis, morello cherry and dark chocolate. Velvety tannins and a maelstrom of blackcurrant, fig and raspberry liqueur present themselves with pride on the palate. Full bodied and expansive.