Whether you've been abstaining for Lent and want to celebrate Easter or you just want to mark the brighter, longer days of spring, this week's wine selection includes some extra special reds. I've chosen the wines to match the succulent sweet flavours of Spring lamb.

1. Castellare I Sodi di San Niccolo', Tuscany, 2003 around €50

This bucks the Super Tuscan trend of Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet and Merlot. It's made in the heart of Chianti from local varietals of Sangiovese and black Malvasia. Full bodied, substantial wine which needs a few hours in a decanter to show its best. If this is a stretch too far for the wallet, try its younger brother, the Chianti Classico for €19.

Availability: Wines on The Green (Celtic Whiskey Shop), Dawson Street, Dublin (online at www.winesonthegreen.com)

2. Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2005 around €80

What started in 1973 with a humble four barrels is now a fairly sizable family owned producer in California's Napa Valley. A lot of money, unquestionably, for a bottle of wine, but comparable in quality to a good Margaux which would fetch two or three times the price. Complex range of flavours and minerality with blackcurrants, chocolate, vanilla and herbs with a smooth creamy texture and long lasting finish. Also needs a few hours in a decanter.

Availability: 64 Wine, Glasthule, Mitchell & Son, IFSC. Cellar Master Wines, Sandyford. The Wine Boutique, Ringsend.

3. Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2004 around €36

In the context of our previous Californian, this is a relatively affordable Napa Valley Cabernet of class and distinction. It is made by the Irish American Barrett father and son, Jim and Bo, the makers who came to fame in the famous Paris tasting of 1976.

While it says Cabernet on the label, it is actually a Bordeaux blend which also includes Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Blackcurrant, eucalyptus, vanilla and warming spices. Top notch Napa.

Availability: Straffan Wines, Straffan, Co Kildare (online: straffanwines.ie), Cases Wine Warehouse, Galway (online www.cases.ie) and from Fallon & Byrne, Dublin.

Lar Veale runs Irish wine blog, sourgrapes.ie