Perez Cruz, Carmenere Reserva; Chianti, Botteghino;
Perez Cruz, Carmenere Reserva, Maipo Valley, 2003, €15.99 Supposedly, Carmenere does not make a good varietal, but this rich concoction of dark chocolate and dusky fruit flavours is decadence with a cork in it. From Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
Chianti, Botteghino 2003, €8.49 This is a bargain. Good Chianti can cost serious money but this organic wine, made from 95 per cent Sangiovese and 5 per cent Cabernet and produced for Marks & Spencer, has attractive, clean cherry fruit, good balance and a nice edge on the finish.
Villa Masera, 2004, €7.99 Another organic wine and, again, at a very good price, this Veronese white has refreshing apple flavours, a sweet tartness in the mouth and a short, lip-smacking finish. From Marks & Spencer.