Mrs Ray can be so sneaky. I thought that Dry January was all about spousal solidarity and mutual encouragement; she thought it was all about catching me out. It kicked off when she busted me sucking dry the liqueur chocolates I’d squirrelled away at Christmas and had come to rely upon. I said they didn’t count; she said I was an idiot. ‘Do grow up!’ she wailed.
As a result, Dry January is now deemed to have started on 6 January. Still, sobriety has its rewards, and I can plan this year’s drinking with a clear head. I’ve rotated the stock in the cobwebbed cupboard under the stairs that serves as our cellar and will be certain to plug the resultant gaps with this bin-end bonanza from Mr Wheeler. They, too, are clearing out their cellars to make way for new purchases and there are real bargains here. But when they’re gone, they’re gone.
For lovers of modestly priced white burgundy, we’ve the extremely toothsome 2020 Vignerons de Buxy Montagny (1) from an excellent Côte Chalonnaise co-operative. There are 140 cases in stock. £13.95 down from £15.95, saving £24 a case.
The 2021 Ch. Bellevue ‘Princesse Lieven’ Beaujolais Blanc (2) is great value and rare, too, being a Chardonnay in a region of reds. There are 52 cases; £14.45 down from £16.45, saving £24 a case.
The 2020 Jaffelin Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune (3) is from one of the smallest but oldest burgundy producers (est: 1816) and a classic of its type. There are 25 cases; £17.45 down from £19.95, saving £30 a case.
Mr Wheeler are clearing out their cellars to make way for new purchases and there are real bargains
The 2020 Domaine de la Garenne Sancerre (4) is definitive Loire Valley Sauvignon and should be in everyone’s cellar. There are 24 cases; £19.95 down from £22.95, saving £36 a case.
The 2019 Finca Don Otaviano Estate Premium Cabernet Sauvignon (5) from Argentina is a complete bargain, full of fresh cassis notes. There are 30 cases; £9.95 down from £11.95, saving £24 a case.
The 2020 Domaine la Croix de Marchand ‘Élégance’ Gaillac (6) from SW France is a rustic, easy-going blend of Syrah and local Duras and Braucol. An ideal winter red. There are 16 cases. £10.45 down from £11.95, saving £18 a case.
The 2016 Casa de Uco ‘El Salvaje’ Malbec (7) from Argentina is well worth snapping up at this price. 128 cases. £10.95 down from £13.95, saving £36 a case.
I expected the 2016 Sumaridge Estate Merlot (8) from South Africa to be well knackered but found it full of juicy ripe fruit and, well, joy. I loved it. There are 18 cases; £11.95 down from £13.95, saving £24 a case.
The 2020 Domaine Gayda ‘Figure Libre’ Cabernet Franc (9) from a much-loved Languedoc estate is my wine of the offer. Full of juicy, jammy redcurrants and blackcurrants, it begs you to drink it. There are 18 cases; £14.95 down from £16.95, saving £24 a case.
The 2015 Les Tours de Laroque (10), a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, no less, still needs time but is well worth tucking away for a year at this price. There are 75 cases; £16.95 down from £18.95, saving £24 a case.
The 2018 Clos Bartolomé (11) from Priorat, NE Spain, is succulent, spicy and warming with ripe, dark fruit and suits winter casseroles perfectly. There are 17 cases; £19.95 down from £22.95, saving £36 a case.
Finally, the 2019 Domaine de la Jasse, Tête de Cuvée (12) from the Languedoc, available in magnums only. Made from 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s full, rich and spicy with teasing hints of herbs and a long ripe finish. Superlative Sunday lunch fare. There are 20 cases; £24.95 (per magnum) down from £32.95, saving £96 a case.
The wines are all offered by the dozen and delivery, as ever, is free.
Order online today here or download an order form.
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