What’s that coming over the hill, is it a monster? as Newport’s finest The Automatic once sang.

No, it’s much scarier than that, it’s the pressure cooker that is Valentine’s Day.

And whether you’ve been betrothed for hundreds of years like my friend Joe Beddow or in the tentative throes of a new romance a reckless show of adoration is always welcome, even if you’re other half is in lovee-dovee denial or not.

As gift ideas, there’s the ubiquitous bunch of red roses, chocolates or a nice socket set – I quite fancy one!

However, coming up with something you can share is surely what the whole thing is all about.

Don’t mention sharing chocolates, you can lose a limb to a cocoaphile if you’re not careful, so probably best to stick to a nice bottle of something extravagant.

First thoughts should turn to Champagne, as fizz always evokes romance and celebration.

Looking at the prestige houses and the literary James Bond’s Champagne of choice Taittinger, is always a crowd-pleaser and a fine all-rounder, and the TAITTINGER BRUT RESERVE NV (RRP £39.95, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Harrods, Majestic, Morrisons, Asda, Wine Rack, Nisa, Budgen’s, www.champagnedirect.co.uk & independent retailers) covers the full gamut of permitted varieties.

Made up of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier this has an elegant nose of warm brioche tones.

In the mouth, from the initial lemon citrus hit to the broader peach fruit, this has a touch of honeyed notes and the very tiniest of bubbles creating a persistent mousse.

Try it with a seafood salad and enjoy a little bit of luxury.

Their TAITTINGER BRUT PRESTIGE ROSé NV (RRP £48.20, Waitrose, Asda, John Lewis, Majestic, Wine Rack, www.champagnedirect.co.uk , Laytons Wine Merchants Ltd, The Vineyard Cellars Amps Fine Wines, Luvians Bottleshop, Fortnum and Mason Plc & many independents) is another full-flavoured Champagne.

The glorious pink colour in the glass promises plenty of rich red fruit flavours.

And boy it doesn’t half deliver – on the bouquet and in the mouth. Deep raspberry fruit has a vibrant tartness keeping everything lively and invigorating.

The fruit develops in the mouth to reveal slightly weightier cherry tones and a velvety texture.

Certainly a bigger style of rosé.

There was another bottle that came across my desk this week, which shouldn’t be overlooked or rushed, much like a fine romantic gesture.

Is it pink? Yes. Is it special? Yes. Is it brilliant? Most certainly.

It is also made in West Sussex in England and has a rather marvellous pedigree.

I am of course talking about the sparkling NYETIMBER ROSÉ 2009 (£44.99, www.englishwineshop,co.uk).

In another nod toward the romantic day the wine has a little floral element across the bouquet along with the bright, spicy red fruits.

On the palate the luxurious mousse leaves you with a soft and rich mouthfeel and the black fruits intermingle with crisper red fruits, mainly cherries and lively raspberries.

There is a creaminess to the mid palate with sweet bready notes across the finish. Superb stuff.

To cover the still wine angle, but still on the big-flavoured tip, I have chosen a couple of opulent whites.

The much sought-after TORRES FRANSOLA 2013 (RRP £21, Hailsham Cellars, Bacchanalia, Mitchells Vintners Ltd & other independents) is a Spanish sauvignon blanc from Penedes, the home of cava, which has had some oak ageing.

The most bounteous bouquet of rich pineapple fruit with touches of orange peel and a little peachy tone.

In the mouth the richness to the fruit from the time in oak does not mask the freshness.

Moving to what is now an Australian icon, the TYRRELL’S WINES VAT 1 HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLON 2009 (RRP £35, thedrinkshop.com, Berry Bros & Rudd & other independents) can be enjoyed now, but will cellar for years.

At the moment the wine is showing lively citrus notes with vibrant grapefruit and lemon.

There are honeyed tones in there and a touch of toast as the wine breathes in the glass.

This has been a benchmark white for many years and has been awarded so many medals it looks like a South American dictator.

I covered a few white wines earlier, so why not mention a few cupid-inspired reds.

There has to be a soft-hearted Beaujolais in there and they don’t come more elegant than the LOUIS JADOT, MOULIN-À-VENT, CHÂTEAU DES JACQUES 2010 (RRP £16, Sainsburys, Majestic, Wine Warehouse, Whole Foods Market & other independents).

This is at the weightier end of the Beaujolais spectrum with the gamay grape displaying its muscular side.

This vintage was a belter for this region and it shows in the deep inviting hue in the glass and a richness to the red fruits on the nose.

The deep cherry fruit is more reminiscent of a pinot noir.

Even the fruit in the mouth is fuller and fatter than normal it hasn’t lost its zippy acidity.

A bounteous Beaujolais that shows elegance and finesse throughout.

In a couple of weeks I’m going to do a round up of a tasting I attended featuring the wines of New Zealand pioneer Allan Scott.

But I have to give a mention to one particular red that really stood out against many fine wines.

The wine in question was the ALLAN SCOTT, THE HOUNDS, PINOT NOIR, 2013 (£16.99, Fine Wines Direct UK, Cardiff) from the Marlborough region.

There is a luxurious caramel element across the bouquet from the time in fine oak which gives a warmth to the aromas coming from the glass.

There's also that forest floor earthiness that can be found in the most traditional style Burgundy.

In the mouth the red fruits have a crisp clip initially but then the softer plum and cherry character chimes in, finishing with the most integrated of tannins and silky conclusion.

Grab a glass, wrap a blanket around you both and have a cwtch.