In stellar vintages such as 2015, the entry-level wines from the top producers can offer real class at very good prices. This Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Grand Nicolet is a perfect example.

An unoaked Grenache-Syrah blend with a bit of Carignan and Cinsault in the mix as well, it is rich and smooth with bright red fruit, impressive complexity and a lovely freshness that keeps you coming back for more.

Robertparker.com describes Grand Nicolet as a "go-to estate that fashions terrific wines, year in, year out". Their 2015 absolutely bears this out and will drink beautifully this autumn and beyond.

Offered: September 2017

Alcohol: 14%

Vintage report: 2015 was widely hailed as an exceptionally good year: “truly sensational” (Jeb Dunnuck), “rare and exceptional quality” (Michel Chapoutier). Rhône expert, John Livingstone-Learmonth was also brimming with enthusiasm, saying: “What struck me from the outset was how grown-up the wines were. At six weeks, they tasted like more finished wines of six months old. After six months, they tasted as if they had already received two winters of cellar raising.”

Drinking window: 2017 - 2020.

Food matching: Côtes du Rhône reds are famously food friendly and go with all sorts of different dishes. A few top matches though would be autumn stews, bangers and mash, hard cheeses and Sunday roasts.