Something For The Weekend?

3 Paul Mas Sauvignon Blanc; Oyster Bay Merlot 2002 Hawkes Bay; 2002 Voyager Estate Chardonnay

Under a fiver: 2003 Paul Mas Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d'Oc, £4.98, Asda

Under a fiver: 2003 Paul Mas Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d'Oc, £4.98, Asda

Paul Mas, an old-world producer with New World techniques, makes excellent value vins de pays from the South of France, like this aromatic, elderfloral sauvignon. Ripe and juicy, dry everyday white with gooseberry fruitiness.

Under a tenner: Oyster Bay Merlot 2002 Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, £6.39, Waitrose (down from £7.99 until 27 June)

This New Zealand merlot from the North Island has a seal-in-the-freshness screw cap. It's brightly cherryish with a smattering of oak adding a delicate touch of texture and spiciness.

Splash out: 2002 Voyager Estate Chardonnay, Margaret River, £12.50, Justerini & Brooks, London and Edinburgh (020-7484 6400), £13.99, Oddbins

This partially cask-fermented Western Australian dry white, now with screw cap, is richly concentrated due to low yields. Cashew undertones, melon fruitiness.