WINE:Wolf Blass Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon
Wolf Blass Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, South Eastern Australia 2003. Hatched, dare I say it, by Chris Hatcher and his team, this zesty, summery white wine made almost as much impact at the Wolf Blass tasting in Dublin as the swanky Platinum Label Shiraz. Why? Because of pineapple smoothness allied with crisp, lemon freshness - and a very tasty price. From Superquinn; many SuperValus; Dunnes Stores; O'Briens; Molloys and many other outlets, usually €9.99.
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Catena Zapata 2002. When I sampled this wine in Argentina a year ago it was an awkward adolescent, but it has grown up very smart. Look out for rich blackberry flavours, layers of spice and a lingering juicy tang. From Cabot & Co, IFSC; Kellys, Clontarf; Donnybrook Fair, Donnybrook; McCabes, Mount Merrion & Gables, Foxrock; On the Grapevine, Dalkey; Bradys, Shankill; Wicklow Wine Co; Greenacres, Wexford; Macs, Limerick; Shannon Knights, Shannon and others, about €12.95.