I need the help of fellow slurpers. Someone bought me this bottle of wine for Christmas. Knowing the chap as well as I do, it would not have cost a fortune (he is Scottish with Yorkshire overtones), mid-range at a guess.

It was a Mas de Guiot 2001, cabernet sauvignon (60 per cent) and syrah (40 per cent blend), weighing in with a mighty 13.5 per cent alcohol content.

It was a Vin du Pays du Gard, from the vineyard and winery of Francois and Sylvia Cornut, just south of Nimes.

Why am I looking for it? The simple truth it was one of the best reds I have had in ages.

Dark red, to the point of blackness, it had the flavours of every black berry you might think of.

The longer it stood, the better it got. In fact, when the bottle was drained, the world had taken on a fresh glow and I was benign to the point of sentimental.

So, if you know where I can get another bottle or three, please let me know.

In return, I'll mention two of the best 'finds' of 2003 and well worth looking out for. First there is a Bourgogne Rouge 1999 from Ghislaine Barthod, on the edge of the village of Chambolle Musigny. It will cost about a fiver a bottle.

The stupid thing about appellations and controls is that if the vineyard had been on the opposite side of the road, the price would have been trebled.

The other is Bourgogne Chitry Blanc 2000 from Fontaine de la Vierge at about £4 a bottle. It would pass as a quality chablis any day of the week.

PETER UNSWORTH