. Chateau de Pimpean Anjou 1993 (Terroirs, £6.99)
Why do we neglect the red wines of the Loire when there are inviting, inexpensive examples like this, with lovely summer fruit flavours and subtle tannins? Light and delicious.
. Michel Lynch Bordeaux 1993 (widely available, £7.99)
Well made by Jean Michel Cazes, winemaking wizard of Lynch Bages, this has more style and substance than you might expect at the price - a good introduction to the subtle charms of red Bordeaux.
. Chateau de Flaugergues La Mejanelle Coteaux de Languedoc 1993 (Dunnes Stores, £8.49)
Languedoc Roussillon is where all the excitement is in new French winemaking and this full bodied red demonstrates why. See Bottle of the Week.
. Domaine St Michel Santenay 1993 (Mitchells, £12.40)
Not one of the most fashionable of the Cote de Beaune appellations and therefore one of the most affordable routes into red Burgundy you are likely to discover. Delicate strawberry nuances underpinned by classic pinot noir pencil lead.
. Paul Avril Clos des Papes 1992 (quite widely available, about £16)
Chateauneuf du Pape at its traditional, rich, spice and black cherry best, helping to explain why winemakers in so many other countries have their eyes fixed on the Rhone. A top treat.