The best own-label wines from independent merchants
Berry Bros & Rudd, Britain's oldest merchant, has more than 60 own-label wines, from its bestselling Good Ordinary Claret (£13.95) to the sumptuous, sweet and raisiny William Pickering Tawny Port (£31).
Berry Bros' St James's Street counterpart, Justerini & Brooks, has a smaller range made by some of the finest producers in France, although you might have to sign the official secrets act to find out precisely who. Its 275th Anniversary Bourgogne (£23) is a case in point, bottled by someone in the village of Vosne-Romanée. These are great wines and, in the case of Corney & Barrow's 2021 Aligoté (£36.25), made by Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, genuine bespoke parcels with only 900 bottles made.
In recent years Yapp Brothers has unveiled several own-label wines, while Tanners has a range from 'trusted suppliers' that best represent specific regions. Not to be outdone, after 52 years The Sunday Times Wine Club has also launched its own range, including a Provençal rosé just in time for summer.
• How can you tell if wine is corked? 33 wine questions answered
France (13%)The Wine Society, £9.95This floral blend including pinot gris, riesling and gewürztraminer has lovely aromatic hints of peach.
France (13.5%)Yapp Brothers, £10.95From a co-operative of growers in the Ardèche, this cabernet sauvignon sings with notes of cassis and has a smooth finish.
Spain (14%) Corney & Barrow, £13.95 A traditional full-bodied rioja with an emphasis on rich, savoury dark fruit and meaty flavours with touches of spice.
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France (14.5%) Tanners, £14.40This grenache-dominant blend from the Gonnet family of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is silky, supple and full of red fruit.
France (14.5%)Justerini & Brooks, £27.85A serious, classic pomerol, this merlot-heavy red has inviting notes of plum, savoury spice and a dry, velvety texture.
USA (13.2%)Berry Bros & Rudd, £38Quite a coup for Berry Bros, this fine, silky chardonnay teems with citrus, red apple and peach.
• The Sunday Times Wine Club's 10 best bottles this summer
France (13.5%) £13.99 The club's first own-label rosé from the high slopes of Provence is crisp and pure, with a wonderful saline freshness.
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