Lake Chalice Falcon PinotN

The 2023 release was partly wild fermented in seasoned French oak, which means the natural yeasts on the grapes did some of the work, and it then spent six months in oak. That is a short stay in barrel, so the wood shows up as a toasty finish rather than a heavy frame. The alcohol is 12.5 per cent.

In the glass it is garnet, fruit forward and full bodied, with black cherry and ripe plum, a savoury hint of olive brine on the nose and a smooth, silky texture. It is easy to enjoy young and will keep for around five years.

Serve it at room temperature or lightly chilled. Roast duck suits it, as does a beef and mushroom pie, and a cherry dessert picks up the fruit in the glass.