In our points race two Australians, Hardys Banrock Station Mataro-Grenache-Shiraz 1996 (very widely available, £4.99-£5.29) and Jacob's Creek Dry Riesling (very widely availably, usually £5.99) emerged as the clear college favourites. The Riesling was high ly rated for its refreshing lemon and lime zestiness. "It awakens your tastebuds but doesn't overpower them," the verdict ran.
And the red blend was given the thumbs up for its soft raspberry and loganberry fruit flavours, wrapped in a smoky, slightly spicy overlay. "It's so nice that you could drink it on its own," they said. "Lots of it. With dangerous ease." Oh, dear. On the grapevine spotlight on Belfast: Congratulations to Direct Wine Shipments for having been named Joint UK Regional Winner of the Spanish Wine List of the Year Competition 1997, organised by Wines from Spain.
No surprise, as this excellent Belfast wine shop has long specialised in Spanish treats. Not to the detriment of other regions, however: California is the latest to merit serious attention from the McAlindons, who announce a galaxy of top names and special case offers in a new California newsletter. DWS doesn't deliver in the Republic; wines must be collected from its warehouse in Corporation Square. An excuse for a shopping trip? Tel 0801-232-238700/fax 240-202.
More wining and dining: Sit back and enjoy New Zealand at the Findlaters' tasting dinner taking place next Thursday in Trumans Restaurant at Buswells Hotel. Gordon Russell, the winemaker at Esk Valley Estate, presents a range of handcrafted wines including examples of what are widely regarded as New Zealand's finest Merlots. Cost: £40 per person. Contact Buswells, tel 01-614-6529 or Findlaters, 01475-1699.