Domaine de l'Arjolle Lyre, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thongue; Domaine d'Avrillé Sauvignon, Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France; Maris Syrah Vin de Pays d'Oc, Robert Eden; Cabernet Monastier Sélection Grignon, Vin de Pays d'Oc
Domaine de l'Arjolle Lyre, Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thongue 2004, €19.95: This is the only sweet wine in the Sopexa shortlist, but what a cracker - rich but not cloying, clean, marmalade flavours and a lean but full texture. From: Mitchell & Son, Glasthule, Co Dublin and Kildare Street, Dublin 2; Brechin Watchorn, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 and Terenure, Dublin 6; the Gourmet Shop, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Domaine d'Avrillé Sauvignon, Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France 2005, €10.50-€11.50: Fresh, vivacious green fruit, smooth texture and a tangy finish - a very attractive and refreshing 100 per cent Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire. From: Fresh@Smithfield, Dublin 7; Brackens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9; Nectar Wines, Sandyford Village, Dublin 18.
Maris Syrah Vin de Pays d'Oc, Robert Eden, 2004, €10.99: This biodynamic 100 per cent Syrah has a wonderfully clean and enticing nose of cherry and dark chocolate, is smooth and rich in the mouth and finishes lip-lickingly well. From: Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dublin 2; McCabes, Blackrock and Foxrock, Co Dublin; Baily Wines, Howth, Co Dublin; McHughs, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, and Malahide Road, Dublin 5.
Cabernet Monastier Sélection Grignon, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Alain Grignon 2005, €13.99 (reduced to €6.99 for two weeks from October 5th): Remarkably rich, cloaked in loads of dark fruit, this lean 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon is good value at full price and a no-brainer on special. From: Dunnes Stores nationwide.