Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 1997 (widely available, usually £7.99).
A good example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the varietal that has made the country famous, at a great price. Fruity and smooth-textured enough to drink alone; also good with a wide variety of foods, and an absolute winner with goat's cheese.
Michel Lynch Bordeaux Blanc 1997 (widely available, usually £7.99).
Soft, apricotty aromas, but don't be misled: on the palate it's green-apple-crisp and fresh. A little too austere to sip alone, it would be lovely with fish or chicken in a cream sauce.
Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, 1995 (many good independent offlicences countrywide, usually £10.49-£10.99).
A deliciously exhilarating wine that wakes you up and shakes you up - what a delight! As the Dummies' authors tell their students, Trimbach's wines are very trim. Here, in other words, is Alsace Riesling in the lean style, reminiscent of tart apples, mineral elements and just the merest streak of honey. I love it.