Willem the Silent 2021 is a white wine from Vaucluse. The label doesn’t give much away – simply that it is a blend of typical grapes from the region (it is a Vaucluse appelation wine). Southern Rhone whites can be very interesting, with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc in the mix, alongside slightly more common varietals such as Viognier, Roussane and Marsanne. Pale gold, with floral, succulent aromatics – citrus, green melon, grapefruit and a touch of honey. A lovely textural finish, drying and herbal. 90pts

Zonte’s Footstep Lady Marmalade is a Vermentino from the Fleurieu region of Australia. A bright, pale green-straw colour in the glass. Lime zest, green apple, grapefruit, meyer lemon, almond and nectarine on the nose. Bone dry, showing a clean, tart acidity, with a flicker of phenolic astringency… but the fleshy fruit really carries this along. Crunchy, energetic and mouth-wateringly delicious. Yum. 92pts

One country that has been popping up on my radar for a year or so now – Portugal – seems to be having a period of popularity for its table reds certainly. Port will probably always be one thing that afficiandos will be looking for, but I can’t recall too much attention being foisted on the country for the other range of wines they produce – until recently. They are fond of wine varietals that are rarely seen outside the country, and give these wines a distinctive expression.

Stones&Bones 2020 is a blend of red varietals Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet. The nose has a sweet, rustic, bramble edge, highlighted with a herbal, spicy note. Ripe and plush into the palate, with nicely balanced acidity and tannin. A rustic, crunchy edge to the fruits, with cherry, boysenberry and a little liquorice. Boisterous and with plenty of energy (and alcohol – it’s 14%).