EQ Syrah 2005, San Antonio Valley, Chile; Domaine Chêne Mâcon La Roche Vineuse 2006; and Châteaux Richelieu 2004, Fronsac.
EQ Syrah 2005, San Antonio Valley, Chile, 13.8%, €23.99 (down from €31.99 from May 23rd to June 12th)The price might seem a lot for a relatively unknown wine from a relatively unknown region, but this is an impressive homage to the Northern Rhône, with its fragrant, deep red fruit finely balanced by a lean structure and a modest use of oak. From: Superquinn
Domaine Chêne Mâcon La Roche Vineuse 2006, 13%, €13.95Rich and buttery, yet lean and well-balanced, this over-achieving Mâcon shows the kind of value to be had in the less fashionable areas of Burgundy. From: Nectar Wines, Sandyford, Co Dublin.
Châteaux Richelieu 2004, Fronsac, 12.5%, €23.99The 2004 vintage offers good value such as this cherry-rich, well-balanced blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc from this satellite appellation west of Pomerol. From: Celtic Whisky Shop, Nassau Street, Dublin 2; McHugh's, Kilbarrack Road and Malahide Road, Dublin.