Carrick Hill Shiraz 2004, Carrick Hill Cabernet Sauvignon- Merlot 2004, Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2003.
Carrick Hill Shiraz 2004, Margaret River, €16.99 This is a big wine full of dark fruit and spices, rich, if a little too fat, with an interesting edge. Although the vines are still quite young - this is only the second vintage - it is a most auspicious start.
Carrick Hill Cabernet Sauvignon- Merlot 2004, Margaret River, €16.99 Inspired by Vanya Cullen's iconic Diane Madeline, Gerard Hughes selected the same blend of grapes in almost the same proportions. Imitation, of course, is the most sincere form of flattery, and although this is a game attempt, with nicely purring intensity of earthy flavour and perfumed fruit, he has some way to go to match Ms Cullen. But then so do most winemakers. Both from Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4; Bin No 9, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Kelly's Wine Vault, Clontarf, Dublin 3; McHugh's Kilbarrack, Dublin 5; the Vintry, Rathgar, Dublin 6; Wine and Beer Warehouse, Stillorgan, Co Dublin; Wicklow Wine Company, Co Wicklow.
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2003, €18 Well-balanced and deliciously opulent Riesling from Margaret River blue blood Leeuwin Estate. It is very good value, although not as good as the €16.50 Searsons is charging for the few remaining bottles of the 2000 vintage. From: Searsons, Monkstown, Co Dublin; Red Island Wines, Skerries, Co Dublin; Patrick Stewart Wines, Sligo; Cheers, Delgany, Co Wicklow; Halpins, Wicklow.