Chateau de Pizay 2004, €12.99. This is an oddity (in an odd bottle) but a very tasty one: a white Beaujolais made from Chardonnay. A small amount of white wine is produced in Beaujolais, particularly in the northern area bordering the Mâcon, so it is not surprising that it is similar: apples on the nose, golden colour, rounded texture and good balance. From: Enowine, Monkstown, Co Dublin, and IFSC, Dublin 1.
Chevalier de Rauzan-Gassies 2000, €21.99. This is the second wine of an underachieving Margaux second growth that is said to be improving. This wine, from the great vintage of 2000, has a subdued berry aroma gives way to a fat, velvet and well-balanced texture and a seductive finish. Not a huge degree of character, but classy nonetheless. From: Enowine Monkstown, Co Dublin, and IFSC, Dublin 1.
Schiaccianoci 2003, Negroamaro Salento, Vignevini, €15.95. This hails from the heel of southeastern Italy, in Puglia, where dark-flavoured grapes such as the Negroamaro (85 per cent) and Malvesia Nero (15 per cent) help produce wines with sun-kissed intensity. The Schiaccianoci (it translates as the "nutcracker") is quite a subtle and elegant wine, with good balance, hints of tobacco and spice, and warm intense fruit. From: BrechinWatchornWines, Ranelagh and Terenure, Dublin.