The selection from the mixed Christmas present case for March is the Vizar 12 meses. This is a 2009 blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, aged for a year in French oak barrels.

We really liked this. “Hmmm, this is a real pleasure to drink” commented the Saucy Dressings’ Chief Taster with appreciation. And “better than last month’s Argentinian wine” was his verdict. It had depth and character, it was velvety and chocolatey.

Ralph comments, “this is one of the first wines I started importing when I started up. This is a high tech, brand spanking new bodega. They have their own laboratory to check the quality at all stages, and they use satellite imagery (at some 10,000 € a shot) to show how much moisture is being absorbed into the vines over different areas of the bodega and therefore where the best grapes are. Alberto Escribano, is the marketing director there. He’s a real larger than life character, he really knows how to make sure everyone enjoys themselves. Bodegas Vizar make all levels of wine, but this is his favourite, he calls it the ‘king of wines’”

Try it with mature cheeses (can be soft, but must be aged), or stews

£21 from Ralph’s Wines Online