Sauvignon Blanc
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 1998 (SuperValus/Centra, Superquinn and many independent off-licences, usually about £8.99). From the region of New Zealand that rivals the Loire for topnotch Sauvignon: typical gooseberry and cut grass aromas with super citrussy tang.
Chardonnay
Danie de Wet Chardonnay sur Lie, Robertson, 1998 (Oddbins, £5.49). Classic, unwooded Chardonnay at a knockdown price from a South African wine giant. All lemons and apples at first, but maturation on the lees gives it a long, creamy aftertaste. The 1997 was a winner in our spring Readers' Competition.
Sangiovese
Tesco Chianti Classico 1997 (£7.29). Even if you taste it blind, the smack of herbs, bitter cherries, a touch of caramel and really juicy acidity are a giveaway - for this is the essence of good basic Chianti. Think Campari toffees!
Merlot
Casillero del Diablo Merlot, Rapel Valley, Concha y Toro, 1998 (Superquinn, many SuperValus, Roches Stores and independent off-licences, usually about £7.49). I've been a fan of the Chilean Devil's Cabernet for ages, but now I see the current Merlot is textbook material, too.
See Bottle of the Week.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vina Gracia Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, 1997
(Molloys Liquor Stores and many independent off-licences countrywide, usually £6. 99). Chile again, so you can really get the measure of those ripe fruit flavours. This newcomer to the market has hallmark warm climate Cabernet cassis and black chocolate character - smooth and luscious.
Syrah/Shiraz
Peter Lehmann The Barossa Shiraz, 1997 (SuperValus/Centras, Superquinn, Molloys, O'Donovans Cork and most independent off-licences, usually £8.99). Benchmark Australian Shiraz from one of its greatest masters: dark, rich, intense, with masses of sweet, concentrated fruit . . . and yet it's not sickly. An education - and a treat.