Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Vintage 2006 down to £22.79 Waitrose Wine

Nyetimber truly is more than the ‘bolly’ of English fizz as it has trumped the famed champagne house in many high profile wine tastings over the past couple of years. Made from a blend of classic champagne grape varieties, chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier and produced using the same classic method as champagne which results in a supremely elegant bottle of fizz showing depth of flavour, lovely biscuit and brioche-like complexity and fine bubbles. A real treat to serve while presents are being opened around the tree on Christmas morning.

The King’s Thorn Pinot Gris 2010 down to £9.99 when you buy 2 or more New Zealand still wines Majestic

A brilliant wine and equally brilliant if intriguing gothic wine label. The King’s Thorn refers to winemaker Brent Marris’ ancestors who were none other than descendants of King Henry I, owners of Lundy Island is the Bristol channel. The Thorn part is down to the island being granted to the Knights Templar by Henry II in 1160 but the owners did not wish to relinquish – hence being a Thorn in the king’s side! In the glass, the wine shows a delicate onion skin colour and reveals aromas of pear and Turkish delight that give way to richly fruity and slightly creamy flavours due to the small amount of barrel fermentation the wine undertook. Delightful with seafood with creamy sauces.

Wombarra Shiraz 2010 down to £4.99 at Co-op

A wickedly easy-drinking shiraz that is the perfect Christmas party quaffer. Showing typical Aussie shiraz aromas of blueberry and blackberry with a hint of anise and spice, the palate is ripe, round and fruity with a minty hint coming through on the finish keeping it fresh. Great with cold cuts and bubble and squeak on Boxing Day.

Hermitage 2006 down to £20 M&S

Hermitage is one of the most celebrated wine regions in France, located in the Northern Rhône valley the wines are some of the region and indeed the country’s long-lived. The reputation was once so great that they were blended with top Bordeaux chateaux to make some of the most expensive wines of the 18th century. Richly fragrant showing serious aromas of ripe black fruits with touches of grilled meat and black pepper. These are backed up by voluptuous flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, a slight savoury and herby edge and ripe but very firm tannins. The wine is starting to open up nicely now, but will continue to drink well for the next 3-5 years. A great price for a truly great wine.