The holidays are a time for celebrating, a time for gifts and turkey and family … it’s a hectic time we put ourselves through every year – sure on-line shopping has taken some of the leg-work out if it – but sadly I seem to spend more, instead of less, every year because of it.

But now that it is finally coming to a close and you’ve got everything under control and maybe a few minutes to yourself, after the kids go to bed this evening, it’s time to sit back, relax and pour yourself one of these …

Taylor Fladgate 2009 Late Bottled Vintage ($18.55)

This Port comes from a declared vintage year in Portugal and it shows a lushness and beauty that you don’t find in any old LBV; cherry, plum and chocolate all make an appearance all with a lush , succulent and sexy mouthfeel, balancing with acidity and a sultry-spiciness.

Dow’s 2009 Late Bottled Vintage ($17.95)

Same year as the Taylor but with a little bit of a different result:  cherry, plum, spice good acidity and chocolate on the mid-palate; comes across a little sweeter but just as enjoyable.

Warre’s Optima 10 Year Old Tawny ($22.90 / 500ml)

Tawny is lighter in colour but still rich in flavour, here we have woodsy-cherry and dried cranberry notes mixing in with a hint of hazelnut, bitter caramel and orange peel all balanced with acid twang.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.