It has taken me the best part of four years, but I have finally got my own little website off the ground. I am disproportionately excited about it given that just about everyone has one these days but it is there, it is done and I hope you will have a look if you get a chance: www.wine-talk.co.uk If you are interested, there is an option for you to sign up for my ‘Wine Postcards’ which I will send as and when I want to share something interesting with you. It could be great wine, something interesting I have discovered, a fabulous restaurant . . . I will not be selling you anything or overwhelming your inbox, I promise. You can register at www.wine-talk.co.uk/postcard.htm For the ultra-keen there is a direct link to my previous The Oxford Times columns and an opportunity to get in touch if you wish. I hope you like it.

In the meantime, we are fast approaching Burns Night which is our opportunity to celebrate the Scottish bard and feast on vast volumes of haggis.

Before everyone starts jumping up and down and complaining about my very un-Scottish plan to drink wine rather than whisky on January 25, can we please call a truce? Truth is, fans of haggis are thin enough on the ground without it being compulsory to eat it with whisky.

Haggis is not an easy partner to wine. Famous for being made from a sheep’s heart and lungs with oatmeal and spices such as mace and nutmeg, to say that haggis is robustly flavoured would be an understatement. For me, it has got to be bold and full of spicy flavour; nothing timorous will do.

Here are three suggestions you might like to consider: Newton Johnson Syrah/Mourvèdre 2006 (£13.99 www.sawinesonline.co.uk) is a South African red with a really weighty texture in the mouth and rich, opulent fruit.

Mount Langhi Ghiran Langi Shiraz 2004 (£27.99 www.agwines.com) is one of my top Australian Shiraz wines. I love its explosive, gutsy personality, which manages to be all that yet elegant and perfectly-balanced too. It is quite pricey but worth every penny.

Given Scotland’s historical alliance with the French, I had to find a strong contender from our friends over the channel. My pick is Château de Combebelle’s AOC St. Chinian Syrah/Grenache 2006 (£9.99 www.vintageroots.co.uk) made by the utterly-charming and ultra-talented English lady, Catherine Wallace. It is a beautifully concentrated and stylish wine with well-defined black, forest fruits.

It goes without saying that if it is you that is giving the address to the haggis you are better laying off the wine until the stabbing of the haggis is complete. After which, lay down your weapon and get stuck in!