Cabernet Roncaccio, Friuli Grave, Eugenio Collavini, 1996 (O'Briens Fine Wines, Superquinn, Claudio's Wines Drury Street, Redmonds Ranelagh, selected SuperValus, including Tramore, and some other outlets, £8.49£8.99). I thought I knew all the Collavini wines, but here's a mouthwatering new discovery. Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc make a light, elegant, juicy red with minty aromas and silky texture.
Sagramosa, Valpolicella Superiore, Pasqua, 1995 (McCabes Merrion, reduced from £9.99 to £7.99 until May 9th (see below). An example of true, worthwhile, tempting Vapolicella - the stuff we should treasure - at a knockdown price. See Bottle of the Week.
La Grola, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Allegrini, 1993 (Superquinn, £12.99). The 1996 was on show at Vinitaly, and glorious. But there's still life in this older sister - which just shows what a skilful maker can do with the fruit of a top vineyard. Rich, jammy fruit, the tang of herbs . . . it'll draw you thirstily back.
Toar, Rosso del Veronese, Masi, 1994/5 (Superquinn, some SuperValus, usually £12.99). Masi's pioneering venture - a wine made from two Valpolicella grapes and two less well known varieties in such a way that it has great body, complexity and staying power. True Veneto character without the extreme richness or high alcohol of Amarone.
Barolo, Pio Cesare, 1995 (Foleys Cabinteely, Bennetts Howth, Byrnes Greystones and some other outlets, about £21). The 1994 is still in the shops, but as you'll need to stash this one away for a few years, why not wait a month or two for the super 1995? Intense, rich and generous, it's a winner that suggests good Barolo is worth the money, worth the fuss.