Value claret: Top 30 under £20

That this tasting elicited more than 160 samples should have come as no surprise, given the UK’s affinity and penchant for red Bordeaux. It’s a relationship that has been going strong for more than 800 years, starting with the union of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet, who became King of England just two years later.

Despite a decrease in terms of import volume for Bordeaux wine in the UK (down 19% in 2021 due to various issues relating to, but not exclusive to, Brexit, Covid-19 and recent vintage volumes), it has seen an increase of 31% in terms of value, according to the annual report compiled by the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux. Wine lovers may be drinking less, but they’re drinking better.

Scroll down to see a selection of 30 top-value clarets

Best-buy Bordeaux: Hindle’s pick of 30 top-value clarets

This top 30 was a selection of the highest-scoring wines in our tasting of more than 160 wines, covering a spread of vintages, appellations and price points. I also favoured wines that were more approachable right now and would be perfect to buy and drink today. Some of the others need more time before revealing their full potential; however, many can be cellared too, again increasing the overall appeal of this excellent and much-loved category.