Carchelo, Jumilla, Bodegas Agapito Rico, 1998 (Searsons Monkstown, Good Taste Grafton Arcade, Laydens Middle Abbey St, Cheers-Gibneys Malahide, DeVine Wine Shop Castleknock, O'Keeffes Kilkenny, Pettitts in south-east, Kazbar Wexford, £36.50 - £36.95) An exuberant Spanish riposte to the New World at a great price. Lashings of sweet, ripe fruit and a touch of caramel. Very gluggable.
Telmo Rodriguez Dehesa Gago, Toro, 1998 (Mitchells Kildare St & Glasthule, Gourmet Gallery Rathmines, On the Grapevine Dalkey, Karwigs Carrigaline, McCambridges Galway, about £39.50; or direct from Approach Trade Ireland by the case). Just coming into stock, this is Tinto de Toro (i.e. Tempranillo), young, perfumed and luscious, with a rustic edge. What personality!
Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses, Priorat, 1997 (Mitchells Kildare St & Glasthule, Gourmet Gallery Rathmines, On the Grapevine Dalkey, Karwigs Carrigaline, McCambridges Galway, about £316.99; or direct from Approach Trade Ireland by the case). A must-have - that's all. See Bottle of the Week.
Guelbenzu Evo, Navarra, 1995 (Searsons Monkstown, Redmonds Ranelagh, McHughs Kilbarrack, Raheny Wine Cellar, Cheers-Gibneys Malahide, Kazbar Wexford, Pettitts in south-east, usually about £313.95). Cabernet with a dash of Tempranillo and Merlot, this is delicious right now - soft and enticing on the nose, layered and lovely on the palate, with subtle grip and length.
Can Rafols dels Caus, Gran Caus, Penedes, 1995 (Gourmet Gallery Rathmines, Mitchells Kildare St & Glasthule, On the Grapevine Dalkey, Karwigs Carrigaline, McCambridges Galway, £317.95 - £318.50; or direct from Approach Trade Ireland by the case). There's superb harmony and refinement in this silky Bordeaux blend; Petit Caus, in the same mould, is an attractive substitute at a much lower price.