Alamos Ridge Chardonnay, Catena 2006, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.5%, €11.99.Nicolas Catena has been one of the leading lights of Argentina for many years, and the Alamos Chardonnay is one of his best-value wines.
Medium to rich, with lovely ripe peach fruits, just a sprinkling of vanilla oak, and plenty of acidity to balance it out. This would be perfect with most chicken dishes, and probably pork too. Stockists:Wilde Green, Milltown; Londis, Kells; Thomas Woodberry, Galway; The Corkscrew, Chatham Street; Londis, Celbridge; The Wicklow Arms, Delgany; Kelly's, Clontarf; Eurospar Dungarvan; Fresh Stores, Dublin; Nash Wines, Limerick; Donnybrook Fair; Brady's, Shankill; Fahy's, Ballina; Thomas Martin, Fairview; Nolan's, Clontarf.
Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 504 Malbec 2007, Puemo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, 14%, €10.49.A very enticing meaty nose with some cool loganberry fruits; a good big powerful wine full of loganberries and plums. The finish is a little oaky for my taste, but would appeal to many. Great value, full-bodied wine to match with more robust foods. Stockist:Oddbins.