Under 10

L'Esprit de Nijinsky 2003, Vin de pays des Coteaux du Verdon, 9.95 Former horse trainer David O'Brien is now one of the top winemakers in Provence.

From one of the cooler parts of Provence, this wine tastes uncannily like a good quality Bordeaux, with elegant lightly minty blackcurrant fruits, an attractive sappy quality and some welcome dry tannins on the finish. This would be the perfect partner for a roast of lamb.

Available from: On special offer at 9.95 in Holland's, Bray; Baily Wines, Howth; Caprani's, Ashford; Kelly's, Clontarf; Cheers, Delgany; Wineonline

Under 20

Domaine Sainte Rose La Garrigue 2003, Vin de pays d'Oc, 12.50 When Charles and Ruth Simpson needed capital to fund their dream of a wine estate in the Languedoc, they put together a team of 10 Irish investors.

This has led to a range of modern, wellmade wines, the La Garrigue being my favourite. Made from a blend of traditional Languedoc varieties (Syrah, Grenache and Carignan) this has lovely clean plum and blackberry fruits, a very attractive spicy touch, and a firmly tannic finish. Delicious with red meats or hard cheeses.

Available from: Holland's, Bray; Baily Wines, Howth; Caprani's Ashford; Kelly's, Clontarf; Cheers, Delgany; Wineonline

Anything goes

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia 1999, 42 Denis Horgan's grandfather was a farmer from north Cork. Denis is better known as producer of Australia's greatest Chardonnay. I have always been a great fan of his Cabernet, with its minty, cigar-box and taut blackcurrant flavours, but it has an extra ripeness that makes it even more delectable. For a special St Patrick's Day lunch with a few favoured friends and relations.

Available from: Patrick Stewart Wines, Sligo; Red Island Wine Company, Skerries; On the Grapevine, Dalkey;

Searson's Monkstown wine@tribune. ie