Chateau Patache d'Aux Medoc 1997 (Tesco, £11.49). This red Bordeaux which I've loved faithfully for years has moved on to a later and lighter vintage, but it's still a lovely drink. Plummy, velvety fruit with a mineral streak and dash of pepper. A totally approachable classic Bordeaux.
Chateau de la Cour Saint-Emilion 1996 (Mitchells, Kildare Street and Glasthule, £12.50). Saint-Emilion is a good choice, since it's a little rounder, a bit less austere, than the wines of the Medoc or Graves. This one is a treat. See Bottle of the Week.
Chateau du Puy Bordeaux Cotes de Francs 1996 (Good Food Store, Ballsbridge; Connemara Hamper, Clifden; Bubble Brothers, Cork, £16£17, or direct from Mary Pawle Wines, 064-41443). A new discovery for me - and delicious it is too, especially as it opens up beautifully in the glass. It's medium weight, very subtle, and has slightly meaty flavours with a sprinkling of herbs and mouth-watering acidity; it's organically produced by an estate which claims to have followed the same methods since 1610.
Luc Lapeyre L'Amourier, Minervois 1997 (Wines Direct, £7.95 if you buy a case, which may be mixed, 1800-57779-579, or www.wines-direct.com). From a dedicated producer who left the local co-op to plough his own quality furrow, here's a really impressive southern red. Aromas of polished leather and warm earth combine with a palate of fleshy, ripe fruit and lingering spice. It's Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan - unfiltered.
Domaine Richaud Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues 1998 (Burgundy Direct, £9.25 if you buy a case, which may be mixed, 012896615, or www.burgundydirect.ie). After a two-year chase, Conor Richardson has snared the warm, velvety Cotes du Rhone of this excellent producer, in the best vintage of the decade. Worth acquiring for more than the lamb, it's a classy yet easygoing all-rounder.
Chateau de Flaugergues, Coteaux du Languedoc La Mejanelle 1996 (Dunnes Stores, £10.99). A stunner to partner that Lamb with Caramelised Aubergine, or anything else with rich Mediterranean flavours. This former Bottle of the Week has now rounded out to full maturity, with intense, figgy fruit. Just plain gorgeous.