England

A beautiful pale raspberry colour with lifted aromatics of melon and raw almond. The tannins are fine and tealike and balanced by the zippy acidity. Complex green olive notes come through on the finish.

An intense nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and honey, with a rich palate that balances sweetness and acidity very nicely, showing more fruit and honey.

A fruit-forward and very smooth new world Merlot. Very enjoyable on its own or with light meats.

Pavette is part of the stable of names that comprises Valkyrie, a portfolio founded by serial Californian wine entrepeneur Baron Ziegler with winemaker Rob Fischer, whose CV includes such stellar producers as Etude, Lyric and Beaulieu Viney ards. Californ

Rich aromas of dark fruits, blueberry and blackcurrent with undertones of vanilla, warming spices and dark chocolate. A medium bodied palate with dark fruits, cherry, a slight earthiness and some toasty oak.

Light gold colour with fine bubbles. The nose shows aromas of flowers in bloom along with ripe dried and fresh citrus fruit as well as marzipan and gingerbread. The powerful palate develops flavours of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, jellie d and citrus fruits, almonds, brioche and honey.

Faset comes from two plots, one exposed to full South and one that turns toward South-West. Faset style is based on voluptuousness, with terrific aromatic intensity, and a flavour profile veering towards ripeness and autumnal flavours.

A harmonious and juicy Zinfandel, that is true to the variety without being too rich and ostentatious. Layers of blueberry and blackberry fruit combine with chocolate spice and raisin notes.

Aromatic and vibrant nose, showing a delicious array of white fruits and citrus. The palate has a lovely weight, with lots of citrus and mineral notes.

Lovely nose of vine flowers and lime blossom, with the classic Champenois combination of toasted fresh bread, citrus fruit and honey. Full-bodied palate, showing biscuit, freshly baked bread and fruit.

A beautifully enticing nose of strawberry, raspberry and a touch of marshmallow. Very generous palate of blackberry, cassis and cherries, finishing on minerals.

On the nose it is complex, with notes of dried fruits, like raisins, fig and walnut, alongside subtle hints of vanilla and honey. On the palate, it is dense, silky and concentrated, with impressive freshness. A powerful and particularly end uring finish.

Notes of biscuits, orange blossom and almonds on the nose. On the palate, there are citrus notes--bergamot and grapefruit--balanced with apples, minerals and floral touches.

Layers and layer of complex spice, garrigue herbs, cigar box and clove on this wine. Super powerful with fine tannins and a lifted palate. Utterly charming.

Ripe wild berries on the nose, with touches of violet, black pepper and a hint of eucalyptus. Rich and powerful on the palate, with notes of raspberry, blackberry and spice on the finish.

Terrific nose balancing toasted brioche, ripe fruits and toasted nuts, giving way to a generous palate of apples, pears and minerals.

Orchard fruits and toasted nuts on the nose, with a palate showing ripe lemon, white peach and touches of oak spice.

Rich nose of dried fruit and subtle vanilla, with a balanced palate of sweetness and acidity.

Notes of sour cherry and blackberry liqueur, black pepper with an elegant oak edge. Smooth, without any heaviness with a dark tobacco finish.

This is a naturally soft and elegant wine with a subtle floral nose but also has a savory, saline edge. The palate has a moreish quality because of the soft acid profile and elegant almost feather light feel, with the saline finish really d rawing you back to have another glass. This wine seems to get better every time we try it. Being the first iteration it’s difficult to say how long it might go on for but, if balance is the key to longevity, then this has it in abundance.

Powerful and rich, this shows some real ripeness and warmth to the fruit, with fine integrated tannins. A very well made wine.

Bursting with red fruit, strawberry jam and touches of spice, this is a delicious Ruby port.

There’s no doubt that the image of Merlot has taken a battering in recent years. And certainly there are cheap and not so cheerful examples at both ends of the spectrum that veer too far towards either the overt jamminess or green herbaceou s characters t