Backhouse California Chardonnay 2023Finding value in California wine is no easy task here in the UK, but a few producers, manage to produce high quality wines at eminently affordable prices. Foremost among them are Backhouse, a label of O'Neill vintners dedicated to producing affordable, yet delicious, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Bright and refreshing with a refined texture, this Chardonnay bursts with notes of orchard fruit and citrus, alongside subtle hints of vanilla and oak spice.

It also works beautifully after dinner with a well-curated cheeseboard

Crowd pleasing but impressive Rioja

with a balance of freshness and complexity typical of premium Oregon Pinot Noir

which gives the winemaker the ability to create all different styles of wine and more creative blends even in challenging vintages

herbs and cassis as well as a hint of smoked meat

The Ruby Port is aged for 9 months in stainless steel tanks and a further 4 years in large oak barrels

) so there is a little more to go around

Dark berry fruit

A vibrant wine thanks to a light extraction

and with a lovely

Flavours of dried cherries and plums are framed by coffee

or a spring vegetable risotto