Atlantis 2011 (Independents, €14.99 )
This is probably not the first bottle of wine that is likely to catch your eye. But if you are looking for something really different or unusual this is definitely worth considering. Made in the Santorini region of Greece (yes, Greece ) from a whole bunch of grapes - Assyrtiko (90 per cent ), Aidani (five per cent ) and Athiro (five per cent ) - that are by no means familiar, the nose has a mineral charm with a dash of lemon that is very inviting.
On the palate, it is a combination of lime, lemon, and pear fruit that with a satisfying dry finish is just perfect for lunch with fish or salad at the weekend, particularly if the current dry and sunny spell continues.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2010 Marlborough (Independents, €22 )
From Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley on the tip of New Zealand’s South Island, this is 100 per cent Pinot Noir and a really good one at that.
With a gorgeous inviting aromatic mix of summer flowers and red fruit on the nose, the palate is a lot more complex with black cherries and summer berries coming in waves with hints of vanilla and a slight chocolate-mocha flavour in the background. The oak never gets in the way of the fruit, although it is there (matured in French oak, a quarter of it new ), while the tannins are finely balanced with just the right amount of acidity. Overall, a nicely judged example of Marlborough Pinot Noir that is perfect with a meaty red stew.
