France

Made from cherries, this is a traditional eau de vie from a family firm in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace. The spirit is dry and full of character, perfect at the end of a meal and best served from the freezer.

The Cuvée D is rich and intense, with lively acidity bringing balance, freshness and minerality. As James Halliday describes, "there is a plethora of spiced, dried and fresh fruits, balance and freshness provided by a surge of citrussy acidity on the finish. And aftertaste." The Pinot Noir gives body and length to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds elegance and finesse.

A fine nose, appealingly fresh with a certain nuttiness as well as some delicate spicy notes. A layered, well-rounded and elegant palate shows citrus flesh and plush acidity with a satisfying toasty finish. The expert balance between richness and fine minerality alongside a complex savoury character make this a beautifully poised and elegant wine.

Clos de la Justice is a walled single vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin owned by Vallet Freres.

A quality VSOP from the Maxime Trijol house, one of the few independents still controlling and performing all aspects of production in-house.

From a 16 ha site of Premier Cru vineyards in the Cote De Blan. Mainly Chardonney with a touch of Pinot Noir, unified in oak and four years on lees. Stunning!

Cassis and blackberry aromas with a certain softness. The palate is rounded and creamy, with velvety tannins, ripe fruit and a refreshing touch of acidity that creates a balanced whole, as well as delicate spices which evolve on the palate. The finish is long and light as air.

A very classy St Emilion Grand Cru. Juicy red and black fruits with some drier cedary streaks on the palate. A classy, complex wine with fantastic structure and long-lingering finish. Merlot 75% , Cabernet Franc 25%

Gascony wood and the sweetness of candied fruits. An eau-de-vie whose complexity is matched only by its average of 20 Years of Age. Hazelnut and gingerbread aromas, ample and balanced, offering flavors of prune, liquorice and cocoa.

Bollinger needs no introduction. 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Cardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier with 5-10% of reserve wines included in the blend and a high proportion of the wine coming from Premier and Grand Cru sites. Substantial and complex fruit with a biscuity egde and creamy acidity.