What to drink this summer

2009 is quite rightly celebrated as a top vintage in Bordeaux, known for generous fruit and weight. Lovely blackcurrant, black plum and red cherry fruit here, with spicy, peppery notes on the nose and rich, mocha on the palate with a velvet texture. There's great balance with a tensile, mineral seam running through it and matching the intensity of the fruit.

This 100% Merlot is juicy, pure and sumptuous. Here, clay soils retained moisture throughout the long dry summer of 2016, meaning that this has remained balanced and fresh. With a long, well-defined finish, this is surely the best Marsau ever.

The 2015 Raymond Lafon is a brilliant Sauternes. Notes of saffron and green pineapple on the nose give way to a spicy palate of so much poise and finesse. There’s a richness here, but also a focus and savouriness that makes it oh-so-easy to drink. Brilliantly done, from a hidden gem of Sauternes.