White:
Bernkastler Alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Auslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Dr Heidemanns Bergweiler, 1990 (Karwigs Wine Warehouse, Carrigaline, 50 cl, £8.99) Not from a star producer, but Riesling cellars wonderfully well, and this one comes from prime vineyards in an outstanding vintage - at a bargain price. Still beautifully fresh, it should live on happily for another few years, even in a 50cl bottle.
Clos du Papillon Savennieres, Domaine du Closel, 1997 (Doonbeg Wine Imports, tel/fax 065 55334, £14.50). Dan Mulhall hasn't released this wine to his usual stockists yet, so firmly does he believe that it should be kept for at least another year. (Or much more.) Glorious Savennieres should be in every cellar - especially if it's as good as this, and from one of the trio of splendiferous vintages, 1995, 1996, 1997.
Red:
Chateau Tahbilk Shiraz, Victoria, 1994 (Sweeneys, Dorset Street and Fairview; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Londis, Malahide; Cooneys, Harold's Cross; SuperValu, Deansgrange; McCabes, Blackrock & Foxrock and some other outlets, usually £9.99). Tahbilk may be best known for its Marsanne but Alister Purbrick's Shiraz also has fantastic ageing capability. A marvellous buy at the price. See Bottle of the Week.
Pesquera Crianza, Ribero del Duero, Alejandro Fernandez, 1996 (Searsons, Monkstown; Berrys, Harry Street; McCabes, Blackrock & Foxrock; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Michael's Wines, Clonskeagh; McHughs, Kilbarrack; On the Grapevine, Dalkey; Greenacres, Wexford; O'Donovans, Cork; DeVine Wines, Letterkenny, usually about £14.95). Massively structured and broodingly intense, Pesquera is one of Spain's most impressive new classics. Give the Crianza of 1996 - a great Ribero vintage - a few years, and its still raw oak will be tamed into supple splendour.
Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 1995 (Tesco and SuperValus, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Malahide, Kenmare; Vintry, Rathgar; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Molloys group, Sweeneys, Dorset Street and Fairview; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Wine Cellar, Maynooth; Vineyard, Galway; Lynchs, Glanmire and other outlets, usually £15.99). A tasting of Masi Amarone back to 1945 was all the proof I needed that this voluptuous treat improves with keeping (though maybe not 55 years). And 1995 is a cracking vintage. Hurry, before it disappears.
Luis Pato Vinhas Velhas, Bairrada, 1995 (McCabes, Blackrock; Karwigs, Carrigaline, about £19). Expensive for Portugal, yes, but Pato is a master craftsman, and predicts that this one will last till 2010-15.