Bargain buys

Take advantage of seasonal sales. These usually take place after Christmas when specialist shops send out their bin-end lists of discounted wines or display them instore. There is usually nothing wrong with the wines - it’s a way of clearing excess stock, or of disposing of a vintage shortly before the arrival of the new vintage of the same wine. Although sales sometimes contain wines that are in their dotage and should be avoided, there are also bargains to be found. Also, look out for special offers to promote a new vintage.