The Musician 2005, Majella, Leabrook Estate Pinot Gris 2007and Vaulorent 2002, Chablis Premier Cru.
The Musician 2005, Majella, Coonawarra, 14%, €15.50This is the among the best entry-level wines I have tasted this year. Named in honour of owner Brian Lynn's 20-year-old musician son, Matthew, who was killed in a hit-and-run, this hugely expressive blackcurrant-rich blend of Cabernet and Shiraz has great clean character and balance. From Gibneys, Malahide, Co Dublin; Donnybrook Fair, D4; Wolfes Food & Wine Store, D1; Cheers, Delgany, Co Wicklow; Drink Store, D7; Unwined, Swords, Co Dublin; Mortons, D6 and Galway; McHughs, Malahide Road, D5; Roundwood Food and Wine, Co Wicklow.
Leabrook Estate Pinot Gris 2007, Adelaide Hills, 12.5%, €23.95A beautifully measured wine with refreshing citrus and grapefruit on the nose, richly textured in the mouth with exuberant fruit flavours and a long finish with a citrus twist. A fantastic Pinot Gris with real personality. From Power & Smullen, Lucan, Co Dublin; Donnybrook Fair, D4; Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer Street, D2.
Vaulorent 2002, Chablis Premier Cru, 13%, €25:So much dross goes under the name of Chablis that it is a real pleasure to taste a wine of discreet power, floral elegance and soft citrus such as this very fine example from a quality house - a worthy winner of the top white wine award from The Best of Wine in Ireland. From: Cheers, Delgany; Jus de Vine, Partmarnock; Gibney's, Malahide; Londis, Malahide; Kelly's Wine Vault, Clontarf; Mitchell's, Grange Rd; Thomas's, Foxrock; Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer St; Foley's, Sligo; Mortons, Galway.