Bottles of the week

Lombeline Saint Aubin, Les Castets 2005, Monte de Peceguina Tinto 2006 and Mercurey, 1er Cru, Les Champs-Martin 2004 are reviewed

Lombeline Saint Aubin, Les Castets 2005, 13.2%, €27.50 This is gorgeous. Restrained, elegant and lean, with apricot and peach on the nose, a rich mouthfeel, finely judged balance and a finish to match. Understated Chardonnay class underlined by sensitive use of oak. From Donnybrook Fair, D4; McCabes, Blackrock, Co Dublin; the Gables, Foxrock, D18; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co Dublin; Uncorked, D14; Vanilla Grape, Kenmare, Co Kerry.

Monte de Peceguina Tinto 2006, Malhadinha Nova, Alentejo, 14%, €18.95 Portugal's young winemakers are increasingly producing good wines at reasonable prices. This enticing blend dominated by Aragones and Alicante Bouschet is loaded with upfront soft strawberry and raspberry and hints of bitter chocolate, followed by a mellow but intense mouthfeel and a silky finish laced with a touch of pepper. Dangerously good. From the Corkscrew, D2; Donnybrook Fair, D4; McCabes, Blackrock, Co Dublin; Bin No 9, Stillorgan, Co Dublin; D6, Harold's Cross; Coachouse, D16; Nectar, Sandyford; Fallon & Byrne, D2.

Mercurey, 1er Cru, Les Champs-Martin 2004, Dom Louis Carillon, 13.5%, €32 Minerally, lean, elegant and discreet, this well-crafted Chardonnay from an excellent producer strikes a fine balance between oak and soft citrus fruit, with good weight and length. Very classy. From Searsons, Monkstown, Co Dublin.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times