Wines of the Week: Vistamar Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Gran Reserva 2008; Ripasso Valpolicello Classico 2010; Saint Mont Le Passé Authentique 2010

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday Lunch

Vistamar Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Gran Reserva 2008

Big, warming fireside flavours and a solid structure distinguish this full-bodied Gran Reserva from Chile, a great bottle to kick off the festive season. Typical violets-and-leather Syrah aromas, followed by rounded tastes of chocolate, mocha, plums and a hint of fruitcake, with a long, satisfying finish. Open well in advance. Just the ticket for rare roast beef or venison. £11.25 (each, minimum order of 12 bottles), winedown.co.uk; £12.50, smithfieldwine.com

Midweek meal

Ripasso Valpolicello Classico 2010

Forget any notion of Valpolicello being light and quaffable – concentrated and complex flavours here are achieved by adding semi-dried – "ripasso" – Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes followed by a little oak ageing. Smooth and rich, with lots of fruit and nut flavours and a hint of spice – almost a mince pie in a glass. But great with any robust dishes such as game casseroles. £8.99, Marks & Spencer

Bargain basement

Saint Mont Le Passé Authentique 2010

Just two days left to capitalise on this very decent discount on a light and flavoursome white made by the Plaimont co-operative in Gascony, using the indigenous and obscure local white varieties of Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu and Arrufiac. Zingy flavours of citrus, lemon zest, apples and an underlying mineral quality make this a refreshing accompaniment to any salads, goat's cheese or fish dishes. £7.99 (until 4 December; normally £9.99), Waitrose