On the grapevine

The 2002 Dom Prignon has been released at 845 in bond for a case of 12 (Bon Coeur Fine Wines, 01765 688200). I drank it recently and it was fabulous with a classic, savoury, toasty nose and a long elegant finish. This is one to keep in your cellar for at least another five years and longer if you can resist it.

Also available in bond at Bon Coeur is Ch. de Beaucastel 2009 at 480 per case of 12. This wine is on allocation, so get your name down quickly.

Down the aisles

Ned Halley has put together his selection of The Best Wines In The Supermarkets in the latest edition of his book, published by Foulsham. It is a nice little book, and obviously well-researched, even if he doesn't get invited to Morrisons press tastings, but the trouble is that prices go out of date even before it is printed. Good as a stocking filler for anyone new to wine.

To order this book from the Yorkshire Post Bookshop, call free on 0800 0153232 or go online at www.yorkshirepostbookshop.co.uk. P&P is 2.75.

Port price drop

The Halifax Wine Company has dropped the price of Calem 20-year-old Tawny port from 36 to 28.80. This is an excellent port, and the 20-year-old has the right balance of nuts, orange peel and raisiny caramel. Good for Christmas.