Torbreck, Woodcutters Shiraz 2004, €15.49 (reduced to €12.99 in sale, until February 26th). This is the standard wine of Australian David Powell's impressive Barossa stable. Soft pepper and generous autumn fruit are the hallmarks of this big fleshy (14.5% abv) winter warmer. From: O'Brien's
Massaya "Silver Selection White" Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay 2004, €19.50 (€17 until the end of February). Sami Ghosn from the Lebanese Tanail Estate in the Bekaa Valley makes this elegant and well-balanced wine from a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chardonnay. This lovely musky blend, and its red brothers in the Massaya range, are the product of a collaboration between Ghosn's family, Bordeaux estate Château Trianon and Rhône superstar Le Vieux Télégraphe. From: Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4.
Glaetzer, Wallace Shiraz Grenache, Barossa Valley 2003, €17. Another big bruiser, weighing in at 14.5%, but we are seriously tempted by this peppery blend, with intense notes of toffee, vanilla and cherry wrapped in soft but persistent tannins. Wallace is the family name of winemaker Colin Glaetzer's wife Judith, and with this offering in his wife's name he has earned himself some serious brownie points. From: Searson's, Monkstown, Co Dublin.