I personally really like Punt e Mes and Negronis twisted with it, but beware that is the most bitter among Italian (sweet) vermouth, because it has an higher cinchona % in its recipe (literally punt e mes in milanese dialect means 1.5, which refers to the 1.5 level of bitterness compared to 1 as standard of any other sweet vermouth).

If you like a more bitter negroni, just go for it, I love it.

If you want something more classical, Carpano Antica Formula it's great, I agree, but Carpano Classico it's a solid choice for a negroni, I probably prefer it over Antica Formula. Antica Formula it's sweeter, it has a strong vanilla note, while Classico it's more balanced with a citrus note, which goes great with gin.
Another option I really rate it's Cocchi Vermouth di Torino. From Cocchi you could also find Cocchi Dopo Teatro, which is more bitter, similar in a way to Punt e Mes.

Last but not least, Martini Rubino Riserva Speciale does its job extremely well in a Negroni.

Having Lamb for Xmas day this year. Anyone recommend me a decent red for the day.

It's quite typical for them yes - I like them occasionally (especially the more funky ones) but wouldn't want to just drink these

Definitely not!!

Do rate nikka from the barrel, lemme know what the Coffey is like

Natural wines often have flaws because they don't use the same type of chemical and synthesis products that make traditional wine flawless.
You should stick to renowned wine producers to avoid bad surprises.

Three of my favorites producers are Pierre Menard, L'Anglore/Pfifferling and Daniel Sage.
And in Champagne: De Sousa and Vouette & Sorbée

They've stopped making 'from the barrell'?!!

Yeah that's a right shitter if that's the case. Gonna have to bulk buy what I can like 888.

888 is discontinued?

I meant Coffey Grain but looks like I was wrong and it was suspended in 2019 vs discontinued, there is stock out there still…

https://www.foodandwine.com/news/nikka-suntory-japanese-whisky-discontinued