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January/February 2010 

St. Clement Napa Merlot 2006
Okay, this wasn't in the case last year, because it was around 30 bucks! We couldn't pass up this crazy year-end deal, plus it's easy to write up: here's a $30 Napa Merlot (that truly tastes like one) for only $12. Structured and dark with great intensity and length, the spicy cedary oaky notes are the perfect complement to the concentrated cherry and red plum fruit. A knockout at this price. $11.99
Delas Côtes du Ventoux 2007
Can't get enough of those '07 Rhônes, especially at this price. As beguiling as a $10 wine can be, this has the nervy intensity and vivacious personality of the '07 vintage and should please both the Rhône neophyte and old dog alike. Mid-weight and juicy, the bright peppery strawberry fruit is underscored by darker chewier cherry notes. $9.99
Vistalba Corte C Malbec-Merlot 2006
A fave from Argentina, this adds elegance and suavity to Malbec's trademark boisterous fruit. With a complexity and depth uncommon for this price range, this new vintage jazzes up the Malbec section, offering something a wee bit different but essentially the same. The plummy fruit is dark but restrained, juicy yet firm. Impressively polished and refined, this stays intriguing for its persistent spiciness and fruitcake-like funkiness. $10.99
Quinta do Espirito Santo 2007
A new excellent vintage of this stunning value. Displaying the chameleon-like qualities that make these Portuguese reds such interesting bargains, this goes from spicy dusty to cocoa powder with plenty in between. The cranberry/raspberry fruit has that just-picked freshness before bottoming out into darker fruit with mocha overtones. We tasted many under-$10 Portuguese reds last month, this is a stand-out. $9.99
Viridian Pinot Noir Oregon 2006
Best-selling wine of last year, period. "Run, don't walk" to snap up some of this, the rarest of wine deals: good Oregon Pinot Noir for just over ten bucks. I know, you're thinking "how good could it be? If it were that good, they'd charge more." Well, that's a long story but the short story is this: it's dark and rich (courtesy of the ripe 2006 vintage) and the juicy black cherry fruit has enough peppery spice and acidity to keep it lively. A good Oregon Pinot priced for daily drinking? Come on down! $11.99
Alamos Torrontes 2008
This offers a burst of summer fruit flavors to help us through the dreary months. This deftly walks a fine line, offering enough of Torrontes' trademark floral perfume without smothering you while keeping it dry and clean on the finish. From rose petals to tropical fruit to a citrus aftertaste, this is light and lively, a refreshing white alternative. $9.99
David Hill Farmhouse Red NV
This local red was a hit thanks to its exuberant fruit-driven personality. A perfect Northwest wedding wine (and plenty enjoyable without a wedding), this is crowd-pleasingly smooth, soft, fruity and evokes pastoral post-nuptial bliss with its simple farmhouse label. A blend of several varietals, the high-toned raspberry fruit is balanced by a Zinfandel-like spiciness and darker concentrated cassis flavors. Fleshy and medium-bodied on the palate with a gentle whispery finish, its own tender moonlight kiss. $9.99
Mirth Chardonnay 2008
Oops, not actually in the Case but we sold it as if it were! An amazingly bargain-priced white from Owen Roe's Corvidae line, this is round, creamy and plenty enjoyable for nine bucks. Clean and fresh with no interfering oak notes, the red apple, zesty spiced pear, and lemon cream notes shine. $8.99
Guenoc Petit Sirah Lake County 2006
A late fall favorite that deftly marries husky fruit and textural finesse. A substantial red that captures both sides of the coin that good Petit Sirah can be. It's beefy and rich with layers of dense black fruit and cocoa-y spice. Smooth and polished, the flavors hang on the palate before finishing with a gentle crescendo of ripe tannins. $10.99
Reine Juliette Picpoul de Pinet 2007
A summer white standby that has enough richness for cold weather drinking. Offering the varietal's trademark lively acidity, white peach fruit and chalky tang, this version seems a little richer and fuller on the palate than many others making it an excellent cool-weather white. $9.99
Felline Rosso Salento 2006
A hearty southern Italian red, perfect for stews and other winter fare. Packed and loaded in that distinctly Southern Italian way, you can almost see the heat shimmering over the rocky landscape as the sun-baked fruit flavors slide down your throat. Vaguely rustic, broad-shouldered and dense with ripe plum, raisin and mocha flavors and a mouth-filling richness. $9.99
Lapeyre Jurancon Sec 2007
A traditional newbie: start the year off right by trying something new. A "cool interesting white" that comes from a small appellation in the French Pyrenees whose wines are rarely seen in PDX and typically twice the price. Dry and spicy, the nose is all minerals and lemon verbena, the palate is creamy yet firm and the finish bone dry. $10.99
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March 2010

Pico Maccario Barbera d'Asti 2008
A silky medium-weight red whose flavor profile lands somewhere between Barbera and Pinot Noir (go figure), this new arrival to the Portland market is a refreshing change of pace from winter's heartier reds. The tangy cherry fruit is cheery and bright and the light cinnamon baking spice note calls to mind homemade cookies, always a good feeling. $9.99
 Domaine Sorin Côtes de Provence '07
From one of our favorite Rosé producers (whose 2009 just arrived) comes this hearty Provençal red. Tarry and chewy with loads of concentrated cherry kirsch flavors and peppery spice, this will work equally well with the last braised lamb of winter or the first grilled steaks of summer. $9.99
Castle Rock Petite Verdot 2007
A Bordeaux blending varietal that is rarely bottled on its own, this offers a chance to taste what flavors Petite Verdot bring to a blend. Fragrant with floral violet aromatics, this version is juicy and richly textured, the fruit bright and blue, polished to a fine sheen. $7.99
Rothschild Val de l'Ours 2008
A Bordeaux-Languedoc-type blend that marries 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Syrah. The Syrah adds a bright spicy and sappy raspberry note to the firmer black currant Cabernet fruit giving an overall impression of a juicy left-bank Bordeaux. $9.99
La Croix Belle Chardonnay 2008
A southern French Chardonnay made in a relatively richer style, this offers a mouthful of creamy ripe apple fruit and mild smoky mineral notes without going full-throttle California style. Full-flavored and lush yet balanced. $9.99
Quattro Mani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008
This new vintage of an old favorite is even better than I remember. The mocha-tinged dried cherry fruit has a sun-baked quality to it suggesting summer's warmth yet is chewy and mouth-filling, perfect for what's left of winter (did Portland have a winter?). We tasted several Montepulciano side-by-side; this was the clear winner. $8.99
Sanz Rueda 2008
Touted as a "crazy stupid deal" by the importer, we'd have to agree although my kids tell me that stupid is not a nice word. Comprised of 100% Verdejo, Rueda's trademark varietal, this Spanish white offers an explosive mix of pink grapefruit, guava and white peach, fleshy and round yet kept in focus by all that citrus-y acidity. $9.99
St. Vincent Muscadet 2008
Young Muscadet is supposed to be light and crisp, a quintessential oyster wine. The good ones however offer much more. We tasted a few side-by-side recently, the first two were ok, this one, no comparison. Sure it's appropriately light but there's so much going on: meyer lemon, lime, white peach, a salty biscuity note followed by slightly grassy white pepper ending with a terrific finish, tangy and electric. $10.99
La Mano Mencia Bierzo 2007
Bierzo is the region, Mencia the varietal, and not many examples of this Spanish red are in Portland, even fewer in this price range. Offering an interesting mix of juicy dark blueberry fruit and a minerally earthiness, it definitely tastes Spanish but in an international fruit-driven way. $9.99
Antinori Orvieto 2008
With a fresh delicate floral quality that calls to mind spring's awakening, this makes me yearn for a leisurely lunch al fresco in some beautiful Tuscan piazza. Subtle notes of lemony tangerine and melon tickle/tease the palate in a coquettish display of modest charms; far from overwhelming with flavors, this is a gentle start to hopefully a long pleasant meal. $9.99
Natura Carmenere 20008
An excellent example of Chile's current favored varietal, this avoids the downfall of too many versions, a pungent vegetal note that has yet to become a desirable trait for most drinkers north of the border. Instead it offers wisps of green-spearmint, tobacco, bitter chocolate - that wonderfully complement the dusty red berry fruit. Full-bodied and creamy with just a kiss of vanilla oak rounding out the finish. $9.99
Independent Producers Merlot 2008
Merlot is making a comeback from the beating it took following the film "Sideways" a few years ago and here's one that should win some converts. Eschewing the fluffy cotton candy flavors that helped its decline, this is dry well-balanced and offers a bit of Merlot's true flavor profile- a mild savory spice note that adds depth and interest to its juicy plummy texture. This new vintage is a really solid Washington red for the money. $9.99

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April 2010

 Monte Antico 2006
A Wine Spectator Top 100 wine in the case of the month? How do you like that...This clocked in at #61: "Bright plum, dried cherry and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors." Not the most sensational review but it is awfully quaffable for only $10.99.
Leithner Gruner Veltliner 2008
Still packaged in its lovable squat 1-Liter bottle with the crown cap, this has bonus written all over it. From the lively 2008 vintage, this is bursting with snappy lime zest and freshly ground white pepper. Plenty refreshing and thirst quenching, the thriving-garden-in-the-sun aromatics keep it interesting as well. It's good that there's the extra 250ml; once you pop the top, it disappears quickly. $9.99
Andes Crossing Malbec 2008
Here comes another Malbec...but wait, it's only $7.50 (!) and it's actually good! Made in a juicy medium-weight style, the high-toned raspberry/cherry fruit is extremely fragrant and the texture is polished smooth. With no heavy oak or over-ripe fruit flavors marring the finish, it disappears on your palate - in a good way. We waited a while before re-tasting it, fearing that it might fall apart but it actually got better, adding darker fruit and a touch more grip on the finish. $7.50
Vale do Bomfim Douro 2007
A dry red produced by the famous Port house Dow, this is another welcome example of Portugal's ability to over-deliver quality for the price. Capturing a snapshot of the rugged beauty of the Douro river valley tamed by the aristocratic "House of Dow", this seesaws between meaty wild blackberry notes and a more civilized appealingly sappy mouth-feel. The tannins are slightly chewy yet ripe, the dusty funk suggested but faded, like a fond memory. $9.99
Watermill Chances R 2006
A classic Washington Cab-based blend at the right price, this delivers loads of Cab-driven red currant and dark plum fruit framed by vanilla-tinged toasty oak. Bold and energetic, yet supple, this is classy stuff. $9.99
Beretta Soave 2008
Another Italian stroll-through-the-meadow white, perfect for Primavera and lazy weekend lunches. Clean and fresh with the delicate melon, grape skin and lemony notes typical of this region, subtle and mild yes, but such is its charm. Pinot Grigio-ish in weight and style but somehow more compelling than many Grigios in this price range. $9.99
Celtus 2005
Laconic in name and label art, fortunately this Spanish red does have something to say. Layered and deep, the dense black fruit is lightened by rosy perfume aromatics and mild woodsy baking spice notes. Starting to open up and soften after four years in bottle, there remains enough tangy grip on the finish to give it a pleasant bite. 85% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. $9.99
L'Aiglon Saint-Chinian 2008
A new vintage of this popular Languedoc red, this seems more polished and cleaner than the last vintage but retains enough of that sauvage southern French action to keep it interesting. Smooth and slightly sappy, this is a relative mouth-coater for the Languedoc but keeps a firm hand on your palate. The fruit is a swirl of mixed crushed berries dusted with a garrigue-y herbal spice. $9.99
Cline Zinfandel 2008
Well known for their wide range of Zinfandels, they sure do a great job even with their little cheapie here. Juicy and plush but not over-ripe or heavy, the bright red fruit is medium-bodied and nicely dusted with notes of brambly spice and light vanilla. $9.99
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2008
A nice change of pace from the other steely dry whites, this is gently fruity, fresh and mouthfilling with underpinnings of taut acidity. Fragrant floral aromatics (courtesy of the Viognier) are followed by a mouthful of fresh green grapes and spicy melon. Lovely and "spring"-y, pair this with Easter ham or spicy Thai dishes. $11.99
Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Time to wake up the tastebuds from their winter slumber. A sure-fire way of accomplishing that is to douse them with a glass of this racy New Zealand white. Offering the expected mix of lime and other tropical fruit flavors in a light refreshing style, this packs a darn good punch too. If all that jazzy acidity doesn't get your attention, the bargain price certainly will. $7.99
Antoine Simoneau Touraine 2008
It's rare to find good Loire Valley Cab Franc in this price range so we jumped at the chance to work with this closeout deal (it was $16). True to the varietal without any of the potential pitfalls, this is medium-weight and elegant, with notes of just-ripe marionberry, black tea, cracked pepper and tobacco. Like so many traditional European reds, the restrained fruit profile and palate-refreshing acidity make it a great match for many an evening meal. If you're unfamiliar with Loire reds in general, this makes for a good introduction. $10.9
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May 2010

Scanavino Barbera d'Asti 2008
Here's a quick little bargain that shaves a third off the price of a perfectly quaffable Piedmont red. Medium-weight and fresh, the flavors are of dark plum and zesty herb but a youthful vigor keeps it bright and lifted on the palate, just as a good young Barbera should be. Faint tilled black earth and floral aromatics add interest and just a touch of grip on the finish will help it pair nicely with a range of dishes. $10.99
Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Corbières Rosé 2008
It's almost rosé season and what better way to get the palate lubed up than a terrific closeout deal. It's silly to say that rosés won't hold up more than one year (some actually get better) and this tastes more than fine. A blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this is a pretty style, pale in color and mildly spicy. Decidedly dry yet round and smooth with a kiss of zippiness on the finish. Regularly $15, now only $9.99.
Aliança Vinho Verde 2009
Just off the boat and bursting with freshness, Vinho Verde is almost as symbolic of summer as rosé. With intriguing aromas of cotton candy, powdered sugar and almond blossom, the palate is marked by tangy grapeskin and a refreshingly fizzy texture finishing on a dry crisp note. Still a favorite and how can it not be, it's cheaper than water and a whole lot more fun. $7.50
Blue Pirate Pinot Gris 2008
A local white that offers plenty of rich pinot gris flavors for a great price. Round and smooth with just enough fragrant melon notes to provide lift and enough spice to add complexity; it's a fleshy crowd-pleaser, easy on the palate and wallet. Perfect for the upcoming graduation party/wedding season. $9.99
Bombing Range Red 2006
Beware: bad puns ahead...This northwest Cabernet is zeroing in and ready to unload, bombing your palate with a strafing of high-toned marionberry fruit and graham cracker pie crust flavors. Although I don't recommend this for breakfast, it does make me think of toast with its buttery creamy texture and fresh berry jam notes. While the flavors may sound anything but airy, overall the wine is lively and just medium-weight, smoothly polished and primed to glide effortlessly through the air and down your gullet. $9.99
Mark West Pinot Noir 2008
The new vintage of this bargain-priced California Pinot Noir favorite offers a round richly-textured mouthfeel balanced by pretty cherry aromatics and cinnamon spice. Ripely flavorful yet not over-the-top, this once again offers the elusive Pinot Noir fix at a daily drinker price. $9.99
Alarba Old Vine Grenache 2008
A nice spring weight Spanish red, this delivers loads of fresh grapey and ripe strawberry flavors in a medium-weight yet succulently fleshy style. Not earthy, oaky or funky, the Alarba delivers straight-ahead pure fruit flavors that are fresh, tasty and unadorned. $9.99
Don Tiburcio 2006
An Argentine blend of mostly Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this offers much more bass note depth and savory complexity than your average $10 South American. The black plum and blackberry fruit is ripe yet subdued and surrounded by brambly dried tobacco notes. Smoky spicy and long on the palate with a satisfyingly reassuring chew on the finish, a glass is like a long slow contemplative puff of a pipe. $9.99
Chapoton Côtes du Rhône 2008
Dark smoky and sappy with a throbbing intensity, the blackberry coulis is accompanied by swirling violet lavender aromatics and the occasional pop of high-toned raspberry. Smooth and polished, it is semi-modern in style, open-knit and delectable. $9.99
Caparzo Sangiovese 2008
Made by a Brunello di Montalcino producer from grapes grown around that hallowed hill town, this is a nicely serious Tuscan red for the money. With a mix of deep cherry flavors, Jolly Rancher hard candy included, this is bright and confident with enough fruity girth to back it up before easing into a smooth lingering finish. $9.99
Fleur du Cap Chardonnay 2008
Just in time for the World Cup, this South African doesn't need any tie-ins; it bested several more expensive Chards in a recent tasting, which was a happy surprise. With a creamy pretty texture, it's rich yet balanced, certainly not too heavy or oaky, and the shades of tropical fruit are kept in check by bright lemon and woodspice notes. $8.99
Cortecillas Rioja 2007
While it's no Valserrano Reserva, this packs an impressive punch for a mere $7. Authentically rustic, the aromatics call to mind a small rural bodega complete with the surrounding aromas of the countryside. A little wild, a little funky but intriguing in that unfamiliar way. The fruit is dark with a loamy richness and is surprisingly smooth for a simple country tinto. $6.99
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June 2010

Valserrano Rioja Blanco 2006
Customers often happily tell us about wines they would have never tried if not for the "case o'". Exploration and discovery, so much fun... Like this one, an old-style white Rioja, unique and full of character. Barrel fermented and left on the lees in the traditional style, it is dry and mellow with a creamy waxy texture and noticeable oak. Not new toasty oak like California Chardonnay but mild and nutty, almost resinous. Over all this is defined by subtlety, not boring-no-flavor subtlety but complex and layered much like the best reds of Rioja. Very dry yet powerfully structured, serve this with charcuterie, almonds or a rich fish dish and enjoy something new. Regularly $18, too unique to sell quickly, so now $10.99
Montmarins Rosé 2009
Freshly arrived, this popular southern French pink is a blend of Syrah and Grenache whose wispy pale color belies its flower-stall aromatics, satisfyingly plump texture and watermelon Jolly Rancher flavors that get the palate a-watering. Sure it's been lousy weather lately but sunny days are ahead. It'll be nice to have this ready and waiting.$9.99
Estancia Zinfandel Paso Robles '07
Paso Robles appellation, low price, good wine... kudos to these guys. Tasting like classic Zin (nothing stripped away to lower the price), this is lush creamy and expansive. The intense berry fruit is ripe and heady but held in check by a firm structure and brambly spice notes.$10.99
Cuma Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
This begins with wild rustic aromatic notes before settling into 1970s Cadillac suspension mode: a super smooth ride of ripe black plum and dusty mocha with a dash of espresso for desert on the finish. Argentine Cab just doesn't sell as easily as Malbec so the distributor drop-kicked this in frustration. Regular price $14, now a paltry $7.99.
Santa Tresa Cerasuolo di Vittoria '07
An unexpectedly fun summer red that blends the robust Sicilian mainstay Nero d'Avola with the fragrant and jovial-sounding Frappato. Like the peanut butter-chocolate collision that gave the world Reese's, the marriage of these two very different varietals makes for a surprisingly complex treat. Mouth-filling yet bright and zesty, the lively Frappato is the perfect foil for the bass-note richness of Nero. Aromatics of violets, lavender, and dried cranberry give way to dark cherry and dried plum on the palate with flashes of wild herb and mild country funk in the background. $11.99
Villa Wolf Sylvaner 2006
Despite being the third most planted varietal in Germany, Silvaner is little known in the US. This Ernie Loosen-produced bottling comes from the Pfalz region and tastes almost Alsatian (the Pfalz lies just across the Rhine river from Alsace). Dry round and fleshy with crisp apple and lemon crème flavors and a pronounced zesty minerally note, this offers something "new" in a tasty crowd-pleasing style. $8.99
Masi Modello 2008
Goaded by last month's Amarone tasting, we introduce Masi's basic red, a great bet for summer, being lighter and less expensive than those big boys. A blend of traditional grapes of the Veneto, this is medium-weight soft and gently mouth-filling with just enough structure to stress its Italian heritage. Mouthwatering floral cinnamon aromatics lead to tangy marionberry and dark cherry on the palate. $9.99
Tilia Bonarda 2008
Bonarda is Argentina's main varietal (besides Malbec) and makes a great "daily drinker". Juicy lively and effusive with both fresh acidity and luscious fruit, it paradoxically is both light and rich enough to pair with a variety of dishes or drink on its own. $9.99
Les Capucins Languedoc 2007
A powerful wine that melds traditional southern French aromatics and flavors onto a smooth and richly-textured frame. Redolent of a country garden under the summer sun, violet iris floral notes are joined by fennel, herbes de provence and warm ripe berries. The fruit is dark, deep and a little smoky and the finish long and chewy. Serve with spicy merguez sausages and flavorful north African cuisine and as they say in France: "taste the monkey!" $9.99
Colombelle Cotes de Gascogne '09
A favorite from a few years ago, the lilac-colored label (with matching screwcap) is back, certain to catch the eye while the juice inside nabs your taste buds. Made from Colombard and Ugni Blanc in southwestern France, this white delivers loads of zippy citrus and white peach-inflected flavor and a creamy tangy mouthwatering texture for a great price. Similar to a Sauvignon Blanc with attitude, we're happy to see this new vintage. $9.99
Alto Real 2007
This Monastrell-heavy blend is meaty and dark, perfect for smoked meats, the unexpected cold rainy night mid-June (oh come on, you knew it would happen) or sipping while sitting really close to a smoky fire. With black earthy fruit and intriguing sauvage herb notes, it packs a nice dollop of hearty yet smooth red for the money. $8.50
NW Vine Project Pinot Gris 2009
Finally, some punchy party Gris at a party price. NW Vine Project is a collection of wines from different winemakers blah blah...listen, forget that. All you need to know is that this delivers a blast of fleshy pear/melon fruit and zesty spice that will make even the worst hay fever sufferer notice. Lushly flirtatious, bordering on promiscuous, this says "fun" from first whiff to last sip, perfect for all kinds of occasions. $9.99
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July 2010

Gilbert Cellars Columbia Valley '06
A steady mover for us at just over $20, the distributor offered us the last of it at half its original price. With 60% Syrah, 22% Grenache, and 18% Mourvedre, black fruit flavors dominate, taut and precise yet rich and long on the palate. Offering a northern Rhône meatiness mixed with pretty herbal and floral spice aromatics, it is one of the best examples we can think of which tastes both of the old world and the new. Awfully serious wine for only $11.99.
Eugene Carrel Jongieux 2009
The hills are alive with the sound of music...no wait, wrong country. Hailing from the Savoie region, not far from the Alps, this French white has a purity and charm that made me think of innocent Maria singing to the mountains, a burst of enthusiastic intensity in an otherwise barren landscape. The flavors here have an immediacy that seem at odds with their subtlety; floral honey aromatics, sweet melon, fresh hay and lemon zest are lively and vivid yet delicate and fleeting. Suggestive of a short growing season, this seems to urge the drinker to enjoy the summer while you can. $10.99
DuBoeuf Macon-Villages 2008
Even though they make a gazillon cases, you can't knock the quality at this give-away price. The '07 was a bona fide hit last summer and this new arrival should be as well. Crisp light and dry with just enough creaminess, toasted nuts and apple notes to keep it interesting. Today, only $6.50.
Lezaun Rosado 2009
Consistent as ever, this Spanish pink is a hit every year and how can it not be at this price? 100% Garnacha, this is full of plump strawberry fruit, roundly dry and gently flavorful with a little kick of spice on the finish. Not weird, not insipid, just tasty and cheap. $7.99
Paul Etienne Beaujolais-Villages '09
2009 is supposed to be the best vintage in Beaujolais since...like...ever. It's like Halley's comet or a total eclipse of the sun or something. Kidding aside, this is awfully tasty, delivering all the charm Beaujolais has to offer for a great price. Bright and fragrant, the texture is medium-weight juicy and smooth, and the boysenberry fruit sappy and tangy. Chill it down ever so slightly, relax, and enjoy. $9.99
Cucao "PX" Pedro Ximemez 2009
This Spanish sherry varietal is transformed into something wholly new and exciting in Chile's Elqui Valley: a dry full-flavored white full of floral notes, tropical fruit, lemon zest and a briny spiciness. Typically used to produce the Chilean distilled spirit pisco, a dry white version is a real rarity whose deliciousness makes it worth drinking beyond its uniqueness. $11.50
Condesa de Leganza Tempranillo '05
Surprisingly polished and well put-together without abandoning its Spanish roots, this is a terrific bargain. We sold plenty years ago (we used its wood boxes to build displays [it still comes that way]) before it disappeared from the market. It's back, it's good, and it's a silly price. Modern in style, the fresh blackberry fruit is clean and dare I say luscious, with occasional vanilla oaky notes popping on the finish. No wild barnyard here, this is an easy-to-like red for only $6.99.
Santo Cristo Garnacha 2008
If this had a cooler-looking label, it could have been the next "Fuego" (a similarly-priced Spanish Garnacha with a cheesy fire label that was all the rage a couple years back). With plenty of fleshy bright candied plum fruit and nose-tingling cinnamon spice, this offers much pleasure for a mere $7.99
Kato Sauvignon Blanc 2008
This Kiwi white is characteristically punchy and exuberant but also offers a nice toothsome fleshiness to balance the lime and gooseberry raciness. An all-around zesty summer crowd-pleaser, the price has bounced from $14 to $11 to $12, but we like this month's price best of all: $8.99.
Chateau Bournet Gaillac 2007
A cool closeout deal because as our distributor put it: "it is really good wine but nobody knows what the heck Gaillac is." Well, I'm here to tell you, Gaillac is a small isolated appellation southeast of Bordeaux and northwest of the Languedoc. Using a mix of indigenous, Bordeaux, and Languedoc varietals, flavors can vary wildly; this bottling has Duras, Braucol, Syrah, and Gamay (!) and tastes like a mix of Bordeaux, Languedoc and the Loire. A little wild and rustic yet pretty, violet aromatics lead to tangy cherry and raspberry fruit which is draped over a meaty peppery backbone and finishes with a mineral edge. Unique and compelling, this was $15, now $9.99.
Marchetti Montepulciano 2007
While most Americans are familiar with the Abruzzo region, this comes from the lesser-known Rosso Conero DOC. Past vintages have been available but priced at around $17, they didn't fly off the shelf due to the region's relative anonymity. Marchetti simplified the label to refer to the widely-recognized grape varietal (Montepulciano), lowered the price to goose it a bit and voilà: a seriously powerful wine for just over ten bucks. Darker denser and meatier than your average Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, this offers a chewy mouthful of dark ripe plum balanced by elegant high-toned cranberry, smoky spicy salami, and a graham cracker note. $11.50
Castle Rock Petite Sirah 2007
Another goal is scored with this sultry red from the coveted Russian River area. Due to the valley's cooler climate, this has an elegance not often found in Petit Sirah. Juicy blackberry, tangy raspberry, and dusty black tea notes on the finish make for a delicious "cup". $8.99
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