Best wines

At this time of year, as the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect wines to share with guests or to give as thoughtful gifts. With so many options available, choosing can feel daunting. To help narrow the field, I’ve curated a selection of wines that are sure to impress and deserve a spot on your shortlist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a bottle to wrap up as a present, these choices offer something for everyone.

Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the Chateau Quintus is a testament to the region's enduring legacy of exceptional winemaking. This estate, with its rich history and innovative approach, has rapidly become a favourite among connoisseurs and casual wine lovers alike. I recently had the opportunity to delve into what makes Chateau Quintus a standout destination and why its wines deserve a place in our cellars.

I have been suffering from a rather nasty cold, which has prevented me from tasting, so a little behind in my diaries. This edition focuses on a selection of wines that have passed over my desk recently. I believe it is important to enjoy everyday wines, to provide perspective on the finer wine we enjoy. I recently had lunch with an old friend at Luca (report coming soon), who happens to be one of the world’s finest wine writers. When he is not drinking 1st Growth Claret, or sipping on DRC, he often buys a £8 bottle of white from Waitrose to enjoy.

For decades, the wines of Bordeaux were seen as overly expensive, over extracted to conform with certain wine writers' palates and simply drifting away from what they once were. Things have now changed for the better, and although highly prized Grand Cru Classes are still expensive, they look positively inexpensive compared to Burgundy. 

My tasting desk is rather full at the moment due to a break over the festive period, resulting in a longer-than-usual diary entry. As you might have noticed, I have started to incorporate wine into my musings, a trade I was in for many years. This diversification into wine feels like a homecoming of sorts, blending my past with the present. In this edition, I'm excited to share my thoughts on a few wines that have caught my eye—and taste buds.

As a romantic opportunity raises it's head, it is time to make an effort to find wines that are both delicious and suitable for the occasion. I like to move away from classical choices like Rosé Champagne, in favour of something that has required a little more thought, yet is readily available. Rosè wine, with its romantic hue, is an obvious choice, but we shouldn’t exclude others. My recommendation, if staying at home, is to put on a wine tasting for your partner. Not only will it spark conversation, but it will add an element of interaction to your evening.

Investing in wine and whisky is popular with high net worth, but the barriers to entry are falling as more people seek tangible investments.

Over the last 15 years, wine has offered an average return of 13.6% which makes it one of the most interesting and secure alternative investments available. Of course, you still need to pick wisely with wines from Bordeaux, Burgoyne, California, Italy and Australia performing best.