Ungsteiner Nussriegel Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Pfalz, 1997 (Octavius, Sligo; Vineyard, Galway; Fahys, Ballina; Dalys, Boyle; Mace, Roscommon; O'Donovans, Cork; Redmonds, Ranelagh; McCabes, Blackrock & Foxrock; Kellys, Artane; Higgins, Clonskeagh; Raheny Wine Cellar and some other outlets, £7£8.99). Light, summery and lively. See Bottle of the Week.
Lugana San Benedetto, Zenato, 1999 (De Vine Wines, Letterkenny, £7.99; also Searsons, Monkstown; Michael's Wines Mount Merrion; On the Grapevine, Dalkey; Vineyard, Galway and other outlets). A deliciously peachy northern Italian - full-flavoured yet refreshing.
Fiorile Sicilia Rosso, Duca di Castelmonte 1997 (Octavius, Sligo; Vineyard, Galway; Fahys, Ballina; McCabes, Blackrock and Foxrock; Redmonds Ranelagh, £6.99£7.49). For a modestly priced wine, this Sicilian has an attractive, artisan feel as well as bags of juicy fruit.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Cantina Zaccagnini, 1997 (De Vine Wines Letterkenny, £8.90; also Searsons, Monkstown; Laydens, Epicurean Food Hall, Liffey Street; Michael's Wines, Mount Merrion; Murtagh's, Enniskerry; DeVine Wines, Castleknock; Wine Centre, Kilkenny and other outlets). This wine column favourite - the bottle with the bit of twig around its neck - wins over more and more fans. Jordan Chameleon Cabernet-Merlot 1997 (De Vine Wines, Letterkenny, £11.30; also selected outlets of O'Briens Fine Wines, Dublin). Jordan is a South African estate to watch; this fleshy, vibrant, utterly engaging wine will explain why. Super-stylish.
Chateau Roc de Boisseaux St Emilion Grand Cru 1996 (Octavius, Sligo; Vineyard, Galway; Fahys, Ballina; McCabes, Blackrock and Foxrock; Redmonds, Ranelagh, £14.95£15.95). It still tastes youthful, but already this fragrant, almost lush St Emilion is compelling. Well-made with a fine, lingering finish.