Christmas wines of the week: A time to hunt down something different for the festive table

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

A singular sherry

Fino Una Palma

A limited-edition sherry, made en rama – that is, direct from the cask – without filtering or clarifying, and to be drunk within six months. Relish the fresh, bone-dry, salty, nutty flavours, with a finish that goes on forever. A must for all kinds of canapés or a plate of Ibérico ham and olives.

£12.49, cheerswinemerchants.co.uk; £12.95, thewinesociety.com

An unusual white

Litmus White Pinot 2011

A remarkable wine made in the North Downs using red Pinot Noir grapes, gently pressed to extract just the juice and then oak-aged. Aromas of red berries and flowers, with rich, mouth-filling flavours of melons, and notes of honey and spice.

£22, marksandspencer.com

A rare red

Don Melchor 2011

Another limited release. From a vineyard in the Andes foothills, using Cabernet Sauvignon and a morsel of Cabernet Franc, descendants of pre-phylloxera Bordeaux vines, then oak-aged. Massively concentrated, complex and powerful yet still fruity and elegant. Decant well in advance, savour with finest roast meats. £39.95 (normally £49.95), winedirect.co.uk; £45.48, thedrinkshop.com (2009)