WHITE
Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc 2003. Crisp, nettley Sauvignon with wonderfully pure flavours and a lingering finish. From Vaults, Harcourt St; Mitchells, Kildare St & Glasthule; Higgins, Clonskeagh; On the Grapevine, Dalkey; Bottle Shop, Lucan; Halpins, Gorey and others, about €14.99.
Flagstone The Berrio Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal District 2002. From Africa's southernmost vineyard, a stylish food wine with power and grapefruity concentration, made to last. From Oddbins, €16.69.
Danie de Wet Bateleur Chardonnay 1998. Superbly balanced Chardonnay with lemon freshness a counterpoint to buttery, nutty richness. From On the Grapevine, Dalkey; Londis, Malahide; Holyhill Liquor Store, Cork, €36-€37.
RED
Fairview Goats Do Roam, Paarl 2001. Likeable, fruity, Rhône-style blend at a great price (and at last I've seen the famous Fairview goats). From selected SuperValus/Centras; O'Briens; Oddbins; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Greenacres, Wexford; World Wine Wines, Waterford and others, €9.99.
Warwick Estate Three Cape Ladies, Stellenbosch 2001. A suave, slightly minty and thoroughly appealing Cape blend of Pinotage, Cabernet and Merlot. From Searsons, Monkstown; Red Island, Skerries; Le Caveau, Kilkenny; Herans, Boyle; Patrick Stewart, Sligo and others, about €22.
Hamilton-Russell Pinot Noir, Walker Bay 2002. My favourite SA Pinot Noir by a mile. From O'Briens; Redmonds, Ranelagh; McCabes, Mount Merrion & Gables, Foxrock; Greenacres, Wexford; World Wide Wines, Waterford; O'Donovans, Cork and others, about €33.50.
Vergelegen Estate Red, Stellenbosch 2000. Finely tuned flagship Cabernet-Merlot from talented André van Rensburg. From Corkscrew, Chatham St; Vintry, Rathgar; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Capranis, Ashford, about €39.95.
SWEET
Paul Cluver Estate Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest, Elgin 2001. Smashing apricot-and-lemon dessert wine which leaves the palate fresh as a daisy. Vintry, Rathgar; Higgins, Clonskeagh; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Cheers-Gibneys, Malahide, half bottle €14.95-€15.95.
MORE NAMES TO HUNT OUT
If you visit South Africa, here a few labels worth seeking out (not widely available here): Avondale, Beaumont, Coleraine, De Toren, Domaine Brahms, Luddite, Vins d'Orrance.
BOTTLES OF THE WEEK
Springfield Estate Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc, Robertson 2003. From spirited brother and sister Abrie and Jeanette Bruwer, this is a beautifully crafted Sauvignon whose concentrated tropical fruit tones include a reviving cut of lime. From O'Briens; Corkscrew, Chatham St; Vaughan Johnsons, Temple Bar & Haddington Rd; Red Island, Skerries; Grape Escape, Lucan; Sky & Ground, Wexford; Vintage Store, Tullamore and others, about €14.50.
Beyerskloof Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2002. I can't remember the last time I recommended Pinotage, one of my least favourite grapes. But Pinotage king Beyers Truter works miracles to deliver a smooth, vibrant wine stuffed with ripe berry flavours and velvety charm. A star performer at Cape barbecues - and, with any luck, it could soon play the same role here. From Mitchells, Kildare St & Glasthule; Vaults, Harcourt St; Brechin Watchorn, Ranelagh; Wicklow Wine Co; Eldons, Clonmel; Greenacres, Wexford; Vineyard, Galway and others, about €11.95.