Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan Excellence, Cave de Chusclan 2003, €16.99 This big intense blend of Syrah (60 per cent) and Grenache is full of seductive dark promise. From: Dunnes Stores.
Domaine Martin Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu 2004, €13.75 Promoted to a "named" village last year, Plan de Dieu's wines are worth noting if this gorgeous, rich, perfumed blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is anything to go by. From: Wicklow Wine Co; Red Island Wines, Skerries, Co Dublin; Grape Escape, Lucan, Co Dublin; Listons, Camden St, Dublin 8; Michael's Wines, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin; Probus Wines, Oughterard, Co Galway; Harvest, Galway.
Château de Bastet Cuvée St Jean 2004, €12.95 Does biodynamic farming make a difference to flavour? This enticing, rich and full blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Clairette makes a strong case for the yes camp. From: selected Superquinns; Olive Branch, Clonakilty, Co Cork; Connemara Hamper, Clifden, Co Galway; Mortons, Salthill, Galway; Quay Co-op, Cork; Mannings, Ballylickey, Co Cork.