Ten of the best red and whites.
WHITE
Torres Viña Sol, Penedès 2003. This popular Spanish white tastes every bit as good in a small bottle as in a large one, if not better. Delicious flavours of ripe apples and pears with juicy acidity and a bit of lemon bite. A winner. From selected Superquinn, SuperValu/Centra & Spar outlets; Molloys; Nolans, Clontarf; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, about €2.99; also Kylemore Restaurant, Stephen's Green SC; Mount Herbert Hotel, Ballsbridge; Hop Inn, Athenry; Cornerstone, Lahinch; Greyhound, Kinsale and many others, €4.25-€5.50.
Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc, Valle Central 2004. My favourite of 12 Sauvignons sampled (half of them from Chile). Super-fresh and lively - flavours of pink grapefruit and lime give way to green apple crispness. From selected SuperValus/Centras; Superquinn; Dunnes Stores; many off-licences, €2.85-€3.49; also Guinness Store House, St James's Gate; Rathmines Inn, Rathmines; Paris Texas, Kilkenny; Skeffington Arms, Galway and many others, €4-€4.95.
Simonsig Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2004. Heaps of fruit, zingy freshness and a tiny streak of honey make this an attractive South African package. A good one to drink without food. From O'Neills, SCR; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Spar, Rathcoole; Unwined, Swords, about €2.95; also Capitol Bar, Aungier St; Orchard Inn, Rathfarnham; Submarine, Crumlin; Boyne Valley Hotel, Drogheda and others, €4-€4.95.
Wyndham Estate Bin 222 Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia 2003. Among the fuller bodied whites that are better with food, this Aussie is a star - substantial and satisfying with lemony lift and a long finish. From Doheny & Nesbitts, Merrion Row; Quays, Temple Bar; Dropping Well, Milltown; Yeats Tavern, Sligo; Murphys on the Quay, Ballina; Bridge Hotel, Waterford; Clancys Bar, Cork; Eldons, Clonmel and many other bars/restaurants, €4.50-€4.95.
Chablis Cuvée Prestige, Paul Sapin NV. Not especially concentrated but there's true Chablis character here, with apple, lemon and honey elements all supported by underlying minerality. From Birchalls, Ranelagh; O'Sheas, Clonskeagh; Morgue, Templeogue; Porter House, Bray; Village Inn, Clane; Flaming Wok, Kildare; Imperial Hotel, Cork and others, €6.50-€7.
RED
Torres Sangre de Toro, Catalunya 2003. A juicy, moreish red that does justice to its tasty white sister, Torres Vina Sol. Very well judged: although it's easy to get into, with dark berry flavours and gentle spice, a squeeze of tannin in the tail rules out any risk of boredom. From selected Superquinn, SuperValu/Centra & Spar outlets; Molloys; Nolans, Clontarf; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, about €2.99; also Airfield Trust, Dundrum; Shamrock Restaurant, Dungarvan; Mannions, Clifden; Dock Bar, Kinsale; Bianconi Inn, Killorglin and many others, €4.25-€5.50.
Errazuriz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Aconcagua Estate 2001. A 2001 that is perfect right now - smooth, peppery and interesting, with excellent length. From selected Londis & Spar outlets; Nolans, Clontarf; Quinns, Drumcondra; Baily Wines; Howth; Whiskey Still, Dromineer; Toolins, Ballysadare and many others, €2.95-€3.45; also Ba Mizu, Powerscourt Centre; Ryans, Parkgate St; Glenview Hotel, Wicklow; Ocean Hotel, Dunmore East; Dick Darbys, Limerick and others, €4.50-€5.50.
Calvet Merlot Vin de Pays d'Oc 2002. True to its origins, this southern French Merlot by Bordeaux-based producer Calvet combines plummy, sunkissed fruit with a savoury aspect that is more typical of claret. A fleshy, mouthfilling wine which needs food.
From selected Londis outlets; Wine Rack, Limerick; Mulligans, Ballaghaderreen; Sheehys, Dingle, €2.79-€2.99; also Burlington Hotel, Dublin; Jurys Hotels; Ron Blacks, Dawson St; Forty Foot, Dún Laoghaire and others, about €4.50.
Wolf Blass Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia 2002. There's a touch of luxury about this well-known Aussie - rich in colour, rich in flavour and creamy-smooth in texture with a long, firm, minty finish. From many off-licences countrywide, about €3.30; also Bank, College Green; Ron Blacks, Dawson St; Yellow House, Rathfarnham; Orphan Girl, Wexford; King's Head, Galway; Murphy Bros, Ballina and others, €4.95-€5.95.
Paul Jaboulet Aine Côtes du Ventoux Les Traverses 2002. Though this would hardly qualify as a rich red, it has gutsy flavours and grip under a cloak of soft red fruits. Extremely drinkable. From Portobello Hotel & Bar, Portobello; Matt the Miller, Kilkenny; Skeffington Arms, Galway; White Horse, Cork and others, €4.50.