£18.50–£23.50, Bakers & Larners, Flagship Wines, Harvey Nichols, North & South Wines
As an affordable alternative to red Burgundy, Maison Louis Latour's regular Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir is an old favourite (see my Festive Red Wine Guide), and a good choice for the festive table whether you're eating turkey, a smaller bird, beef fillet or vegetarian, but there's now also a top-tier Valmoissine. Step forward Bellevue, a small production from the domaine's best vineyard parcels high up around the village of Moissac-Bellevue.
When I tasted the newly released 2017 in May, I thought it would be even better given a few more months and now here we are conveniently heading for Christmas. Bellevue is darker and more savoury, more intense and structured than the regular Valmoissine, with cherry and black fruit, earthy spice, nutty sweetness and firmer tannins. It would be particularly good with game birds, beef or duck, but don't feel limited to those. 13.5%
Maison Louis Latour Bellevue Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2017, Var, France
£18.50, Bakers & Larners, £19.99, Flagship Wines, £23.50, Harvey Nichols; £99 for 6, North & South Wines
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