Pérez Cruz Syrah 2003 Reserva, Maipo Valley, 14.5%, €15.99:
Very good Syrah: rich, deep, creamy dark fruit, elegant structure with chocolate and mild spice. Alcohol on the heavy side but it wears it well. From: Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson Street, Dublin 2; McCabes, Foxrock and Blackrock, Co Dublin; McHughs, Malahide and Kilbarrack, Dublin; Le Caveau, Kilkenny; World Wide Wines, Waterford.
De Martino Legado Chardonnay 2005, Limarí Valley, 14%, €15.49: This understated, well-made wine with vivid grapefruit flavours is nicely buttery from its 11 months in oak. From: Lynch's, Glanmire, Cork; Claudio's, George's Street Arcade, Dublin 2; Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4; On the Grapevine, Dalkey, Co Dublin.
Viña La Rosa, La Capitana, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2003, Rapel Valley, 14.5%, €12.99: Another alcohol blockbuster that carries it well, with good balance and clean fruit. From: Londis, Mace, Costcutter, Next Door chains.