One of Ireland’s few Masters of Wine, Alan Crowley, is launching his Red Dot sale in his Cellarmaster warehouse from tomorrow. There are over 100 different wines on sale at up to 40% discount on the recommended retail price.

While the sale has plenty of low cost quaffers under €10, the following are my top three picks. I’ve opted for really good wines, all from Australia, and worth splashing out on for the weekend treat to go with some good inhouse cooking.

1. Chateau Reynella Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2004.

Was €24.99, now €16. Traditional McLaren Vale basked pressed Shiraz. Rich & spicey, savoury with plenty of fruit. Big but balanced.

2. Grosset “Springvale” Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley 2007

Was €29.99, now €19.99. Almost half the price of its older sibling “Polish Hill”. Made by arguably the best Riesling producer in Australia, if not the world. Mouthwatering.

3. Mount Horrock’s Watervale Semillon 2007

Was €23.69, now  €17. I’ve gone for this Semillon for two reasons. The first? A little bit of a sidestory, but Jeffrey Grosset’s partner, Stephanie Toole, runs neighbouring “rival” producer Mount Horrocks. The term rival is probably reserved for outsiders trying to get an angle. The reality is more likely to be they’re more of a community helping each other. Anyhoo, on to the Semillon. Big, toasty, nutty and uber-delicious. Worth every cent.

These and more are available for the month of August at The Cellarmaster

Independent wine shops, are you planning a sale or have any news? Let me know and I’d be delighted to post about it here or in the Sunday Tribune.