La Martine, Mâcon-Uchizy 2004, Cepa Gavilán 2004 and Maison Gilles Boyer 2002
La Martine, Mâcon-Uchizy 2004, Bret Brothers, 12.5%, €18.60 (part of the Santa Selection):These young brothers have been making a name for themselves since 2000 driven by their dedication to the biodynamic cause. La Martine is a classic Mâcon wine, with buttery richness offset by fruity acidity and streaks of citrus with a full lemonish finish. From www.winesdirect.ie.
Cepa Gavilán 2004, Bodegas Hnos Pérez Pascuas, Ribera del Duero, 14%, €17Powerful aromas of dark cherries and vanilla give way to a dry, smooth, chocolatey, berry-filled intensity that finishes with a spicy flourish. From www.vino-directo.com
Maison Gilles Boyer 2002, St Joseph, 12.5%, €18.99St Joseph is one of the less celebrated regions of the northern Rhône, but its Syrah can deliver. This medium-bodied example from a mixed year has a nose of leather and brie with taut berry fruit wrapped in a lean structure. From www.enowine.ie and Enowine, IFSC, Dublin 1, and Monkstown, Co Dublin