THE vast majority of us will never have the money, space or time to build up a wine cellar but it is worth making an effort to keep some bottles that will taste better after spending some time resting.

Lay them down (not upright) somewhere dark with a reasonably constant temperature (the cupboard under the stairs perhaps).

Ideal candidates for laying down are heavier wines with a reasonably high alcohol content like the Ravenswood example above. When finance allows, buy two bottles of a wine you like (powerful whites as well as reds can be stored) and put one away. Look at the label and don't bother keeping anything that says "drink within 12 months of purchase."

After a while you will have a small store of settled wine so you don't have to keep running to the off licence or supermarket and opening bottles that are still shaken up from the journey. After a year or two your "house wine" should gain depth and improve in taste -- a suitable reward for self-discipline and keeping it away from the corkscrew.

RAVENSWOOD LODI ZINFANDEL 1999, £7.99, Sainsbury

SOME wines can be drunk fast but here is one you should sip and savour. The mainly American Zinfandel grape comes in many styles but few meatier than this classic from California's Sonoma region and winemaker Joel Peterson. It's a big 14.5 per cent with ripe berry fruits, spice and vanilla flavours and a texture so rich you can almost chew it!

ISLA NEGRA CHARDONNAY 2002, £5.99 (on offer at £2.99 until April 13), Morrisons

ISLA Negra means black island, an apparently mythical place pictured by moonlight on the label. But there is nothing unreal about this Chardonnay from Chile's Central Valley. It's quite light, full of mouthwatering lemon, pineapple and pear flavours, and skilfully crafted by respected winemakers Cono Sur. The special "half price" of £2.99 makes it amazing value.