Financial Times

For those struggling with present-buying inspiration this Christmas, JANCIS ROBINSON MW says 'a good bottle is nearly always an acceptable present for a man - or wine-minded woman'. Of all the bottles on the shelf, it's classic fizz that wins Robinson's vote this time round: 'Absolutely top-quality Champagne is regarded by even the most hard-bitten professional as a treat.' 1990 Dom Prignon and Krug are both recommended. Or if quality red is more your thing, it's difficult to beat top Bordeaux, says Robinson: 'Baron Philippe de Rothschild was no fool when he developed the idea of commissioning a different artist each year to design a unique label for each vintage of Chteau Mouton-Rothschild.'