Hollick The Bard Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2017 

Australia (13.5%, Seven Cellars, Brighton, £12.95; Vineyards of Sherborne, Dorset, £12)

This is a beautifully structured wine, all cedar and cassis. Try it if you like claret.

Taste the Difference Barossa Cabernet Merlot 2019 

Australia (14.5%, Sainsbury’s, £11.50)

A bear hug of a red, this is a thickly textured blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Rich and spicy, and aged in oak, it’s a cosy wine for a chilly night.

Ebenezer & Seppeltsfield Shiraz 2019 

Barossa Valley, Australia (14.5%, M&S, £14)

Made by the Langmeil Winery, this is matured in French and American oak hogsheads, and is thick, plush and sturdy, with flavours of liquorice and dark fruit. A very good wine. 

Beira Douro Touriga Franca 2016 

Portugal (13.5%, Grape & Grind, Bristol, £14.50; Noble Grape, Cowbridge, £14.99)

This is one of the grapes used for port, it has a slightly floral fragrance and makes a red with plenty of stuffing and a hint of pink peppercorns.

Château Beau-Site 2015 

St-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France (13%, Co-op 124 stores only, £22)

You might not think of Co-op for claret, but it has a truly excellent range. This is polished, dark and serious, from a ripe vintage. Also check out Ch Beaumont 2017 (£16) and Ch Sénéjac 2018 (£17).