Bourgogne Rouge, Couvent des Jacobins, Louis Jadot, 1996 (Vintry Rathgar, Redmonds Ranelagh, Carvills Camden Street, Vineyard Galway, Loughnane's Food Hall, Galway, O'Connors SuperValu Wexford, usually £9.99).
A great introduction to Burgundy at a doom-and-gloom-free price. See Bottle of the Week.
Chateau des Jacques, Moulin a Vent, Louis Jadot, 1997 (stockists as for Bourgogne Rouge above, usually £11.99). From Jadot's new property in Beaujolais - and this ain't no fruity, lightweight quaffer. Rich, smooth and beautifully harmonious.
Meursault, Louis Jadot, 1995 (stockists as above, usually about £22.99).
Meursault for people (like me) who shy away from buttery blockbusters: here you have ripe fruit, a lovely creamy texture and subtle oak, all handled with restraint.
Cotes de Beaune Villages, Bouchard Pere et Fils, 1995 (Bennetts Howth, Londis Malahide, DeVine Wine Castleknock, Kellys Artane, Deveneys outlets, Grapes of Mirth Rathmines, Thomas's Foxrock, McCabes Merrion, O'Donovans Cork, Octavius Sligo, £12.50-ú13). "An Irish product," says Catherine Leonard, because we love this stuff so much. Soft, enticing aromas, excellent acidity and a firm, spicy finish.
Beaune 1er Cru, Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus, Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils, 1995 (Bennetts Howth, Londis Malahide, Jus de Vine Portmarnock, McCabes Merrion, Redmonds Ranelagh, Deveneys outlets, Vintry Rathgar, £35ú38). It's worth the ridiculously long name, worth the money too. Heady perfume, velvety texture, thrillingly complex flavours. It will keep for yonks (the 1962, sampled recently in Dublin, was still superb) and should if possible be tucked away for another year or two . . . but when you drink it you'll go straight to heaven.