We have a delicious multi-award winning Cremant de Bourgogne Rosé from Louis Bouillot.  Really approachable, this traditional method fizz (made the same way as Champagne) has plenty of character and lots of vibrant fruit.  Made in a dry style this is perfect as an aperitif or to kick start your day alongside your smoked salmon and scrambled eggs!

The two still whites come from France and Spain respectively – first up, a classic Pouilly Fume from the Loire – Dry with a flinty minerality, there is a lovely balance of fruit and herbaceousness. It’s crisp and very elegant.  Then moving to Spain an unusual but compelling white made from Grenache Blanc: textural, savoury, and slightly phenolic with lovely apple and stone fruit notes and a touch of salinity on the finish. A brilliant food wine recently receiving 92 points in Decanter.

Onto the reds and we have two vibrant blends – the first is an Aussie take on the Bordeaux blend from Woodlands, one of Western Australia’s oldest wineries.  Opulent, ripe black fruit with herbal notes and  complemented by sweet vanilla spice, liquorice, and dark cocoa.  Then, moving back to France, but heading down South to the Côtes du Roussillon – this classic GSM blend (grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) is rounded out by Carignan. From ancient vines (100 years+) the concentration in this wine is fabulous, it is big, bold, and compelling. Fleshy black fruits, savoury spice, and supple tannins. 

The case is rounded out by a Port.  This Imperial Reserve from Sandeman is best described as a ‘junior tawny’ and serves as a terrific entry into the brilliance of Tawny port at a stunningly good price.  A multi-award winner including Decanter Gold this year,  this is delicious.  Think spicy fruit cake – raisins, berries, all spice, walnuts – it is all here.  A great finale to the Christmas dinner and perfect with the cheese board too.