Put the wine, sugar and bay leaves in a pan over a medium flame and slowly bring to a boil, stirring every now and then.
Add the cherries, reduce to a lively simmer for eight to 10 minutes, until the cherries are tender but still holding their shape.
Use a slotted spoon to lift the cherries out and into a bowl, bring the liquor back to a boil and reduce by a third, or until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Pour the reduced syrup over the cherries and leave to sit for at least an hour, and up to three days, before eating.