GIVEN the recent budget increase, and the propensity of certain retailers to change prices overnight, I have increased the upper ceiling for the "Two around Ten" wines. I will still try to feature as many under €10 as possible.
Mitchell & Son Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc 2007, 12.5%, €10.50
Consistently one of the best-value white wines around for many years. Fresh and crisp with zippy zesty lemon and racy green fruits. Classy wine at a knockdown price, this still looks great value despite the budget increase. Drink on its own, with salads and anything light and fishy. Stockists: Mitchell & Son, The chq building, IFSC, Glasthule and Grange Road, Rathfarnham; O'Donohoe's, Trinity St, Dublin; Myles Doyles, Gorey.
Mitchell & Son Claret 2005, 13%, €11.95
The light, perfectly poised blackcurrant fruits, and pleasing dryness on the finish combine to produce a very enjoyable wine. This is textbook claret, and would make a great everyday house wine at home. This wine will move on to the 2006 vintage before Christmas, and I am assured it is equally good. Look out for the Mitchell & Son Gold too. It is one of the best sweeties around. Stockists: Mitchell & Son, The chq building, IFSC, Glasthule and Grange Road, Rathfarnham; O'Donohoe's, Trinity St, Dublin; Myles Doyles, Gorey.