Dip your hooter into these mighty Bordeaux

2010 Chteau Fourcas-Borie, Listrac-Mdoc, Bordeaux, France£16, The Wine Society, 01438-741177, TheWineSociety.com

Claret always preoccupies wine collectors at this time of year, and with a rather enthralling 2017 En Primeur campaign still unravelling before our eyes, I thought I would point out two particularly impressive red Bordeaux, both drinking, that I found recently.

While we wait for our youthful purchases to mellow, it's important to keep one's standards up without breaking the bank, and both of these fellows are well under the magical 20 quid mark.I am a huge fan of Ducru-Beaucaillou, 2me Cru, Saint-Julien, and the 2017 vintage was one of the most arresting wines of the vintage. Within this chteau's portfolio, Fourcas-Borie is a wine that is made by the same team as Ducru, but the price is much more affordable because it hails from the less fashionable environs of Listrac.

Take note that this is a 2010 one of the most sensational vintages in the past three decades and the Wine Society assures me that they not only have stock, but also that the price is indeed correct. This is a steal!

It is also worth you dipping your hooter into 2012 Chteau Poitevin, Cru Bourgeois Mdoc (£17.95, LeaAndSandeman.co.uk) because this is another mighty performer. It isnot only drinking but it also looks particularly complex and rewarding right now because it comes from the slightly softer 2012 vintage. Don't miss these wines.

Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition's Communicator of the Year (MatthewJukes.com).