Joe Breen on this week's best bottles...
Sequillo Cellars 2003, Swartland, 14%, €28.95: This southern Rhône blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache by the rising star Eben Sadie will improve with time, but even now it offers a nose of dense mushroom and dark fruit. It is richly textured in the mouth, with a smooth finish and a spicy edge.
From Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4; Bin 9, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14; Kelly's, Clontarf, Dublin 3; Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer St, Dublin 2; Wine & Beer Warehouse, Stillorgan, Co Dublin; Martin's Fine Wines, Dublin 7; and Lilac Wines, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
Quando 2005, Robertson, 12.5%, €14.95: This Sauvignon Blanc has an attractive, restrained nose of green fruit, good depth and minerally texture with clean flavours and a finish to match. Quando is very impressive in a very modest way - a true artisan product and one for those who like Sancerre. From Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4; Bin 9, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14; Kelly's, Clontarf, Dublin 3; Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2; Wine & Beer Warehouse, Stillorgan, Co Dublin; Martin's Fine Wines, Phibsborough, Dublin 7; and Lilac Wines, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
The Foundry Syrah 2002, Coastal Region, 14%, €35: The 2001 vintage received five stars from John Platter's South African Wines, but this one lost half a star. Can't see why. Dark, spicy aromas, generous in the mouth, with notes of sour cherry and a long finish. From same outlets as above.
Lammershoek, Malmesbury, Zinfandel-Syrah 2003, 14.5%, €19: The owners of this vineyard, Paul and Anna Kretzel, are Eben Sadie's landlords, but along with winemaker Albert Ahrens they also produce this blend. The result is a dark, austere wine of warm, spicy promise and good structure. Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4; and Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer Street, Dublin 2.