After the indulgence and celebrations of Christmas, January offers the perfect moment to turn your attention back to the cellar. With festive favourites enjoyed and stocks inevitably depleted, now is an ideal time to replenish with wines that reward both patience and pleasure.  

From the timeless structure of Bordeaux and the nuanced elegance of Burgundy to the celebratory sparkle of Champagne, restocking now ensures your cellar is once again ready for the year ahead. 

Burgundy 

Renowned for its precision, complexity and sense of place, Burgundy remains one of the most rewarding regions to have well represented in the cellar. From vibrant village wines to more serious bottles worthy of time, a carefully chosen case of Burgundy offers versatility and quiet sophistication – perfect for replenishing stocks after the festive season and for enjoying throughout the year ahead. 

If you are a fan of White Burgundy, look no further than Bruno Colin’s Bourgogne Blanc. This is a classic expression of Chardonnay which punches well above its weight. Expect notes of peach, citrus zest, and a touch of minerality against a creamy, textured backdrop. This is a vibrant, expressive wine which certainly proves to be great value for money.  

If you are looking to stock up on red Burgundy, I would suggest Stephane Magnien’s Pur Pinot Noir, for a fresh and vibrant take on classic Pinot Noir. It is clean, elegant, and packed full of crunchy red berries. This is a wine which drinks so well on its own, but matches perfectly with poultry dishes or even light, tomato pastas.  

Bordeaux 

Few regions offer the consistency, structure and longevity of Bordeaux. Whether chosen for immediate drinking or for extended ageing, a well-selected case provides the backbone of any serious cellar. From dependable classics to more nuanced expressions, Bordeaux remains an essential choice when replenishing stocks for the year ahead. 

My first suggestion would be 2011 Chateau d’Armailac, Pauillac. This wine comes in at under £50.00 on the table, for a fifth growth estate, this offers great value, for a wine which you could not only drink now, but lay down for years to come. It is silky, elegant, and refined, with fine tannins and outstanding length. This is a wine certainly worth stocking up on.  

Another great option would be the 2019 Chateau Lascombes, second growth Margaux. From a fantastic vintage, this is a wine built to go the distance, the intensity and structure here are sure to suit ageing over the next few decades! It is lively, rich, fruit-forward, and everything that is great about Margaux.  

For a great value Bordeaux, you can’t go wrong with the Tour St Bonnet 2016. Again, this is a wine to drink or to keep, as it is already showing maturity, complexity, yet freshness and vivacity. With a case at just £70.00 in bond, the value for money speaks for itself.  

Champagne 

Champagne is the wine of celebration, and after a festive season of clinking glasses and popping corks, many cellars find themselves running low. Restocking now ensures you’re ready for both everyday indulgence and the next occasion worth celebrating. From classic non-vintages to refined vintage expressions, a thoughtfully chosen selection of Champagne keeps the sparkle alive well into the new year – and beyond. 

If you are searching for a classic, good value bottle, the Gamet Rive Gauche is the perfect fit! From a small, boutique estate, this is essentially our ‘house’ Champagne – and for good reason. It is vibrant, expressive and intriguing, with notes of citrus zest, toasted brioche, yellow fruits, white blossom and roasted almonds – it is complex, yet refined. This is all class – and the perfect to stock up on by the case.  

For those searching for a vintage Champagne to lay down, the Lilbert-Fils, Blanc de Blancs 2019 will certainly suit. This vintage is one of Lilbert’s finest, with fruit sourced from solely Grand Cru vineyards in Cramant, this is Chardonnay at its best. Expect notes of marzipan, white flowers, stone fruits, and a hint of salinity. Lilbert is a true hidden gem in Champagne, and laying down this wine will certainly reward patience.  

Finally, I must mention Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs 2015 – another of my personal favourites, and a fantastic choice for cellaring. Again, this is entirely Grand Cru Chardonnay, and you certainly feel the quality. This wine is focused, intensity and so complex. Whilst you would certainly enjoy a bottle now, another 5 years in the cellar will reveal more and more to those willing to wait.  

With your cellar refreshed after the festive season, you can look forward to a year filled with great wines and memorable moments. Carefully chosen cases offer a balance of immediate enjoyment and long-term reward, ensuring you’re prepared for quiet evenings, celebratory dinners, or the next special occasion. If you’re unsure where to start or how best to restock your collection, our team is on hand to offer tailored advice and help you build a cellar perfectly suited to your tastes and plans for the year ahead. 

Direct enquiries to sales@nickollsandperks.co.uk