Beringer Founder's Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2004, and Ecceterra 2006, Vin de Pays de l'Herault, Domaine du Clos Roca
Beringer Founder's Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2004, 14.5%, €13.99The Nofla Wine of the Year is the value brand of this rightly acclaimed estate. Vanilla, clove and dark spicy fruit on the nose with soft blackberry and raspberry in the mouth laced with a peppery edge and a fleshy finish. There is real weight and presence. From O'Briens, O'Donovans and other Nofla-affiliated off-licences.
Ecceterra 2006, Vin de Pays de l'Herault, Domaine du Clos Roca, €11.99-12.99This domaine has another wine called á propro, but ecceterra is interesting in its own right. Sourced from old biodynamically cultivated Mourvédre and Carignan vines, this is a generous, aromatic light-bodied fruit-forward wine with spicy twists and turns. Works chilled as well. From Carvilles, Camden St; Gibney's, Malahide; Red Island Wines, Skerries; Shiels, Dorset St; Drinkstore, Manor St, all Dublin.