Bottles of the week

Bodega Lurton, Malbec 2006, Mendoza, 13.5%, €12.99.

Grown in an area 1,100m above sea level, this lean, medium-bodied Malbec has an attractive earthy nose with notes of dark fruits, black chocolate in the mouth and subtle spice on the finish. Solid midweek drinking. From The Pier Off-Licence, Tramore, Co Waterford; Morton's, Ranelagh, D6; Next Door, New Ross, Co Wexford.

Errazuriz Max Reserva Shiraz 2005, Aconcagua Valley, 14.5%, €14.99 This was aged for 12 months equally in French and American oak, of which 55 per cent were new barrels. It shows. There are heady blackberry and cherry notes, a big spicy mouthful and a lively finish. But watch the alcohol. From (branches of) O'Donovans, O'Briens, Next Door.

Knappstein Hand-Picked Riesling 2006, Clare Valley, 13%, €14.99 The Clare Valley is home to some of Australia's greatest Rieslings and this reasonably priced example doesn't let the side down, with its refreshing steely backbone matched with vivacious citrus fruit. From The Laurels off-licence, Perrystown, D12; Reid's off-licence, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co Dublin; Kelly's Wine Vault, Clontarf, D3.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times