USA

Joe Cafaro is that rarity - a Californian winemaker not intent on chasing Parker Points. His Napa valley Merlot is a concentrated wine with smoky oak notes from French and American oak barrels and plush red fruits. Big enough to stand up to lamb dishes and, like Joe, with family and friends.

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Oregon's cool climate is great for Pinot and this Americo-Burgundian affair is lovingly made from low-yielding vines for complex, sweet strawberry, rose and spice flavour.

Also available in half bottle Click here

Can the Ridge people make a bad wine? Everything they touch turns to liquid gold! The Geyserville vineyard produces a more forward drinking Zin with a perfume that is godly. Ripe but refined and already established as the bees knees.

Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot and Merlot. One of the infamous 'Meritage' wines which beat the top Bordeaux chateaux back in the 70s. Svelte, supple and complex. Will keep for decades. The 1973 is still drinking well (or so I hear!)

This more affordable Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend comes from the Monte Bello vineyard, but is made with parcels of grapes selected for their approachable, fruit driven character.

Made by Chateau de Beaucastel of Chateauneuf fame in the Paso Robles region of California, this wine is a real corker. Classy and savoury, and starting to establish itself as a proper Rhone-a-like!