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January/February 2011 

Chapoton Côtes du Rhône 2009
Now into the great 2009 vintage, we couldn’t pass on this one. 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. $10.99
Leithner Gruner Veltliner 2008
Think big in 2011! Drink more 1-Liters! 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
Vale do Bomfim Douro 2007
Sneakily popular and deservedly so (the popular part, not the sneaky part). A dry red produced by the famous Port house Dow, this handily over-delivers 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
NW Vine Project Pinot Gris 2009
Hands-down summer white favorite. 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
Reverdito Barbera d’Alba 2008
The charming Reverdito family gave us wonderful year-end bargains with their Barolo and Barbera. Let’s keep the party going. A fantastic basic Barbera, this well-priced direct import seems like a Piedmont secret. Medium-weight and smoothly textured, there’s lots of white pepper and black earth notes surrounding the black raspberry fruit, and the finish is juicy and clean. $11.99
Beretta Soave 2009
Is this new vintage even better than the 2008 or is that just the muse of spring calling? 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. Grigio-ish in weight and style but more compelling than many in this price range. $9.99
Celtus 2005
Still good. Really. 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 five years in bottle, there remains enough tangy grip on the finish to give a pleasant bite.85% Tempranillo, 10% Cab Sauv and 5% Syrah. $9.99
Tormaresca Neprica 2008
Interestingly, customer response mirrored an open bottle’s evolution: initially subdued but once it gets going there’s lots going on. NEro d’avola, PRImitivo and CAbernet Sauvignon add up to…this, a red from the sunny wilds of Puglia in southern Italy. Although plenty sunny there, this wine is all about the dark: black plum, ripe blackberry, and a deep dark loamy soil note full of warm spices. But, one needs the light to become the dark, and the more the light, the more the dark; a maxim best pondered over a glass of this heady beast. $9.99
Castle Rock Cab Sauv. Napa 2007
Napa. 2007. $9.99. No surprise that it was so popular. With classic Napa Cabernet flavors of dark plum, cassis and mocha toast, this is richly flavored and plush but still shows elegance and restraint. Simply put, for Cabernet fans, this is a lot of wine for the money. $9.99
Palo Alto Reserva 2008
For those who can’t escape to a desert isle, this rum-esque red provides a warmth all its own. There’s a veil of tropical-inspired cocktail flavors (think Pina Colada, Mai Tai) draped over a dense ball of smoky oaky deep dark fruit. Birthing the term “Coco-OakoT”, this is mouth-coatingly rich and hyper-saturated with flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah from Chile. $9.99
St. Vincent Muscadet 2009
The “dry French white in the tall bottle” is back . Young Muscadet is supposed to be light and crisp, a quintessential oyster wine. The good ones however offer much more. Like this one. 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. $9.99
Trumpeter Malbec 2009
Goofy name, good wine, great price. A second label of Rutini, this new vintage again does wonders for the price. It’s a slurper, no doubt, all sappy blackberry pie and cocoa powder, but offers a nice beam of freshness up the middle to keep it all together. Not overblown and oaked to within an inch of its life, it’s surprisingly balanced for just $7.50.

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March 2011

Corsini Matot 2009
This young-vine Piedmont red offers a full-flavored mouthful of juicy wild blackberry, all tangy and fresh, with hints of earth and savory underbrush aromatics. Pure and vibrant throughout with a nice kiss of smoky tannin on the finish. Predominantly Barbera with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. $10.99
Argiolas Costamolino 2009
A beauty of a Sicilian white that blends a fleshy tropical fruit-laden texture with aromatics that transport you to the scrubland by the sea. The white peach, pineapple and pear fruit is full-on yet dry and the aromatics intoxicating: white pepper, lemon verbena and even a mild saline note. $10.99
Notro Sangiovese-Bonarda 2009
 "A classic mid-range quaffer that you look for in a case of the month wine" commented one taster with less than stellar grammar. Grammar aside, the reasoning is spot-on. Medium-weight smooth and juicy, the floral high-tone coffee bean notes are invitingly pretty and the wild berry fruit is bright and clean. Snappy and fresh, this is versatile enough to pair with a range of frozen microwaveable entrees. $8.50
Alamos Torrontes 2010
Second place winner in the New York Times recent Torrontes taste-off, Alamos' version of this off-beat Argentine white has been a good pick for years. Pulling together much of what makes Torrontes so compelling (and leaving out that which makes it not), this is florally fragrant without being overpowering and offers a nice mild bitter herb and tangerine citrus note to balance the fleshy peach fruit. $9.99
Charles & Charles 2009
One of these Charleses is Smith, the bushy-haired brains behind K Vintners, the original "House Wine" and a host of other starkly-labeled Washington slurpers. Not one to mess with a winning formula, this hews to his trademark style: full-bodied and brash with plenty of dark fruit and enough smoky hickory notes to make you want to fire up the BBQ. 50/50 Cabernet/Syrah and lots of both. $9.99
Torrederos Ribera del Duero 2009
This young 100% Tempranillo shows its Ribera del Duero roots- the dark plum and blueberry fruit is firm, dusty and minerally before softening slightly on the creamy textured finish. More powerful than most Rioja yet less fruity than most modern-style Tempranillo, this is really solid wine for the money. Pair with hearty savory dishes for best results. $9.99
Feudi Bordonaro Nero d'Avola
Bordonaro is a small winery owned by Firriato, a highly respected Sicilian producer who just switched importers- good for us as prices are now lower. This tastes like a more serious wine than the price suggests, and changes dramatically as it opens; initially tangy minerally, the mild cherry fruit is joined by thyme and rosemary notes before turning darker and meatier the longer it sits open. $9.99
Vina Gormaz Rueda 2009
Grapefruit, passionfruit, whatever-kind-of-fruit, this tickles the tastebuds and primes the palate for the first stirrings of spring. A blend of 70% Verdejo and 30% Viura from Spain's rising white wine region that nicely balances a limey zestiness with a round gentle texture. $9.99
Camplazens Syrah 2009
The warmth of the 2009 vintage is apparent in this new arrival of an old favorite. Still tasting more like northern Rhone than Languedoc (which is where it is from), the fruit is gently plump yet pure and clean with good acidity and focus. The flavors are classic French: floral violet, light peppery spice, black raspberry and a creamy graham crackery finish. $11.99
La Croix Belle Chardonnay 2009
Is this a French-leaning domestic Chard or an internationally-styled French Chard? The latter. The underlying minerality and crisp acidity keep it fresh and bright while the butterscotchy fruit and vanilla crème give it an outré sex appeal. $9.99
Caposaldo Chianti 2005
A classic Trattoria wine that offers typical Sangiovese flavors of macerated black cherry and dusty red plum in a open-knit user-friendly style. Broad and smooth on the palate with enough backbone to stand up to many dishes, the five years in bottle have given this time to mellow, soften and develop. $9.99
Vina Borgia 2009
This 100% Grenache standby still boasts an incredibly low price and consistent quality. Medium-weight, moderately fruity and built for casual uncritical enjoyment, the dark cherry fruit is joined by spicy herb notes and an earthy backbone. $7.99
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April 2011

 Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005
Don’t laugh, this is good. And it’s not a high-priced vanity project either; à la Paul Newman, profits help fund sports programs for disadvantaged youth. Having just poured it at a Saturday tasting at its old $13 price, we jumped when the price dropped. With intimations of Stag’s Leap District, this tastes like old-school classy Napa Cab: smooth black plum and cassis fruit, mild savory notes and well-integrated oak on the finish. $8.99
Ippolito Ciro Rosso 2007
A cool southern Italian red of great complexity, this offers a wealth of subtle flavors in a decidedly non-fruity style. Although inedible, the aromatics fire the imagination: wet leaves of autumn and dry leather mixed with a cedary woodsy spice. Edible fruit does appear on the palate though, mostly black plum and dried cranberry, before sinking into a gently chewy finish. 100% Gaglioppo, this is a nice old world detour in our increasingly modern world. $10.99
Brunori Verdicchio 2009
A fresh and zesty Italian white from the Marche region, this is blessed with ample pear and white peach fruit, supported by a slight saline minerally note and crisp acidity. Classic Italian white but better than most in this price range. $9.99
LAB Tinto 2008
Sporting a shameless label designed to appeal to dog lovers everywhere, this Portuguese red tastes much better than the simple label and price suggest. Clean and precise with an appealing dusty licorice-tinged sweetness, the juicy red plum fruit is fleshy yet balanced by enough acidity and lift to make it stand out. Light to medium-bodied and fresh, we tasted it ever-so-slightly chilled; to us the perfect temperature for a late afternoon early season BBQ. $8.50
Delas Côtes du Rhône 2009
An easy choice: 90 pts. from Parker who sez: “The brilliant 2009 is the best Côtes du Rhone I have ever tasted from Delas. The wine has great fruit and a sweet raspberry and black cherry nose with some herbs, licorice, and pepper. Aged all in tank, the wine is medium to full-bodied and possesses sweet tannin as well as a long finish.” $10.99
Corvidae Crowe 2009
An inspired Columbia Valley white blend whose clean racy structure is enveloped in a range of surprising flavors including citrus peel, grapes, tropical fruit and melon. Sounds like a stretch but it is all nice balanced, the texture tidy, the flavors fresh. $9.99
Kiona Lemberger 2007
Lemberger (or its Austrian version, Blaufrankisch) is not a varietal on the tip of many tongues but if more were like this Red Mountain (Washington) bottling, they should be. Delivering a big mouthful of smoky black fruit and oaky peppery spice, this tastes a bit like Washington Syrah, rich in flavor and body with dried cherry and cranberry on the finish. $9.99
Albaflor Tinto 2008
One of only a few wines from the Spanish island Mallorca that is available in Portland, this is a gustatory glimpse into yet another cool Spanish wine region to explore. Comprised primarily of Mantonegro, Mallorca’s dominant varietal, this is an intriguing wine of strong opinions, barely tamed by the winemaker’s hand. The edgy mineral fruit offers piercing flavors of hard cherry candy and cola while peppery herb notes linger on the grippy finish. Not as austere as I just made it sound, but no juice-ball either. $9.50
Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir 2008
A 2008 Pinot Noir for $10? Well, it is from California but hey, it’s still pretty darn tasty for the price. Sourced from cooler-climate vineyards, this is medium-bodied and restrained with black tea and spice notes complementing the mild black plum fruit before finishing with a lively snap. $9.99
Selbach Riesling 2009
After tasting about 50 wines one day, it was such a relief to take a swig of this, as refreshing as a beer or sparkling water but a lot more complex. Fresh and floral, the apple and lemon flavors are light on their feet yet succulent and citrus-ly mouthwatering. Definitely not sweet but not so painfully dry as to have no flavor, this will make a lovely companion in the garden one fine spring day. $9.99
Andeluna Malbec 2009
Straight-up good Malbec that offers a little of this, a little of that whose sum total equals a nicely balanced wine. The fruit leans dark and dense overall but with enough juicy red raspberry and cocoa spice to make it pop. $9.99
El Portillo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
An interesting and complex Argentine white that offers a mix of floral grassy aromatics, racy grapefruit and almost Gruner Veltliner-like white pepper notes on the finish. The flavors are well-developed yet clean, the fruit rich yet very dry. $8.99
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May 2011

Domaine L'Abbé Abymes 2009
A white from France's Savoie region that is as fresh and invigorating as the spring Alpine air. The varietal is Jacquère and it offers a lemony sweet-tart tanginess and medium-bodied succulent texture finishing with fresh floral notes. With suggestions of new grass and crushed rock, it's a picnic in a bottle. $9.99
Laila Rosso Piceno 2009
Raisinets! Balsamic! And more! So many different flavors kept popping out of this bargain Italian red that my notes have a confused disheveled look. Round dark plummy fruit envelopes the palate while hints of dust, smoked meats, mocha and espresso ply the fruity sea. Mostly modern in style with enough tiny tannins creeping in to hold it all together. $8.99
Vinosia Falanghina 2009
A surprisingly good Italian white for the money, this is a new venture from the original founders of Feudi di San Gregorio, a benchmark of quality for southern Italy. Showing classic Falanghina characteristics, the nose is all lemon blossom and mild greenness while the palate offers fleshy tangerine and pineapple fruit draped over a mineral backbone, with a dry volcanic kick on the finish. $9.99
Arbor Crest Cliff House Red NV
This under-the-radar Washington red blend is a value winner, offering much more drinking pleasure than the label or its non-vintage status might suggest. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Sirah and Malbec that was aged 18 months in French oak, it is full-bodied, dark and deep with spicy oak notes accenting the ripe berry and cassis fruit. An interesting blend that works as the Cab Franc savory aromatics and Merlot fruitiness nicely balance the Petit Sirah beefiness. $8.99
Cuvée de Pena VdP Pyrenees 2008
A charmingly rustic country wine from the French side of the Pyrenees that offers flavors typical of the region in a quietly confident way. Spicy garrigue and floral violet aromatics lead to a palate full of black and blue fruits shot through with a wet earth/loamy note. $9.99
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Fast, cheap and nearly out of control, this delivers plenty of racy limey punch while staying far away from the searing acidity sometimes found in Marlborough whites. A white to rouse the tastebuds from their winter slumber, this will pair nicely with the first grilled jumbo prawns of the season. $9.99
Santa Tresa Cerasuolo di Vittoria '07
Capturing the moodiness that May weather can often bring (sunny one day, cold and rainy the next), this traditional blend pairs the robust Sicilian mainstay Nero d'Avola with the fragrant lighter-bodied Frappato. 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. $9.99
Anciano Tempranillo Reserva 2004
One look at the bottle with its ornate label and wire cage and you should know what to expect: a traditional-style red that emphasizes subtle secondary flavors over primary fruit. Medium-bodied and restrained, the dried cherry and blueberry aromatics lead to a creamy yet dusty mouth-feel with grippy tannins on the finish. $9.99
Scalabrone Rosato 2009A close-out deal to move the last of the 2009, this 100% Syrah rosé is from the Guado al Tasso estate in Bolgheri. Given the sad possibility of a continuation of April's lousy weather, this full-flavored barely-a-rosé was about as rosé-ish as we could muster. But no matter, it's drinking great and will do double-duty as warm weather refreshment or commiserating partner as you sit by the fire watching the rain. Regularly $16, now $9.99.
Fabla Garnacha Vinas Viejas 2008One of the nicest bargain old-vine Spanish Grenache we have had in a while, this received the coveted "really nice flavors" comment, a vague but telling observation. Full-bodied and smoothly textured, the fruit is dark and spicy like a hearty Rhône, finishing with a juicy vinous burst of freshness. $10.99
Pine Ridge Chenin-Viognier 2009
A favorite springtime California white, this is round, soft and generous yet overall remains somehow light and airy. Vinous and fresh with flavors of juicy green grapes, melon and a squirt of saucy peach from the 20% Viognier. $10.99
Oxford Landing GSM 2008
A playful juicy summery fun red that is fragrant and sappy with lots of tangy raspberry, strawberry and pie crust flavors. Not overblown or heavy, it walks a fine line between appealingly fruity and staying light on its feet. $8.99
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June 2011

Trentadue Old Patch Red 2009
Despite a name that invited teasing, we had to admit it's really darn good. 77% good quality Zinfandel (mixed with Petite Sirah) and sourced entirely from their Alexander Valley estate, this could be labeled simply as Zinfandel and easily be more expensive. Offering complexity not found in cheap bulk juice California reds, this has dusty red fruit overtones, all deep cherry kirsch and bright raspberry, mild brambly spice and a dose of sexy vanilla oak, flavors that sail on through the long succulent finish. $10.99
Legado Munoz Tempranillo 2009
Unabashedly modern in style, this offers a blast of peppery blackberry fruit, juicy and creamily textured, followed by a long finish where the flavors echo and echo and echo and echo. $9.99
Ique Malbec 2009
A new-to-us version of that grape folks can't seem to get enough of, this isn't icky at all. With a plush entry and taut mid-section, this sports a fruit-driven style that narrowly avoids driving into too much fruit. Floral, fresh and brimming with baking spice aromatics, the palate is clean with red/black fruit and a little wood, trailing boysenberries on the finish. $9.99
Riff Pinot Grigio 2010
Riff is a second label of top Alto Adige producer Alois Lageder. With a state-of-the-art facility and great vineyard sources, this is a leading name in the region whose reputation for quality extends to this, their value line. Fresh off the boat and charmingly demonstrative, this 2010 is graced with a fine balance between cantaloupe melon richness and a vaguely minerally zip, making it clean and refreshing while satisfying those demanding taste buds. $9.99
Ferrandière Marselan 2008
A hybrid varietal born in 1961, Marselan is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache and is truly a rare sight. A cool red that isn't easily compared to others in the Languedoc region, the main flavors in this bottling seem to be bright red plum, fig paste and candied orange peel. Medium-bodied yet flavorful, there's an unexpected yet appealing citrus lift mid-palate that imparts freshness and just a hint of bitter chocolate on the finish. $9.99
Lezaun Rosado 2010
A bargain favorite year after year, this 100% Garnacha again offers mouthwatering watermelon jolly rancher high notes to complement the darker cherry fruit. $8.99
Ken Forrester Pinotage 2009
Normally I see danger signs when encountering an inexpensive Pinotage. A hybrid between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it is South Africa's vinous claim to fame, yet cheap versions generally leave a lot to be desired. That said, this is a great example and tastes like versions twice the price. Offering some of that spicy sweet funk that marks it as Pinotage, this also delivers plenty of saturated soft blue fruit flavors and a kiss of savory herb on the finish. $9.99
Monte Vehlo Tinto 2009
Dark and moody like the never-ending rain clouds, this comes from a lesser-known region of Portugual, Alentejano, and is a blend of regional varietals Trincadeira, Aragonez and Castelao. Structured and "old world" in style, the warm black plum fruit is accented by dried cherry, briar woodsy notes and a light dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for the winter stew leftovers in the freezer or one of those unavoidable cool rainy June nights. $9.99
Moulin de Ferrand Entre-deux-Mers 2010
A classic Bordeaux blanc that pits the racy crispness of sauvignon blanc (60%) against the softer waxy texture of Semillon (40%). With pretty saline grassy aromatics and mild yet persistent fruit, there's more here than initially meets the eye. Common as a de facto Parisian bistro white, it's a great choice for oysters, mussels and other shellfish. $9.50
San Felice Perolla Rosso 2009
A new world style Super Tuscan from the Maremma region, this is tangy and bright with sweet red cherry fruit and shades of warm oaky spice. Juicy and vinous overall but with enough tannin on the backend to hold it all together. $10.99
Santa Julia Torrontes 2010
A lighter crisper version of Argentina's preferred white, this offers telltale floral aromatics and tropical fruit notes in a clean fresh style. Very pretty and flavorful without being too much of a good thing. $8.99
Natura Carmenère 2009
Surprisingly good Chilean red, this plays the Carmenère card spicy and firm with characteristic notes of cured tobacco, leather and pungent spice to shore up the powerful black fruit. Rich in body and occasionally juicy, this cries out for grilled peppercorn steak, garlic rosemary lamb, or other grilled savory fare. $8.50.
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July 2011

Marchetti Montepulciano 2008
Newly arrived from our Small Vineyards Direct Import order, this new vintage is rocking good. 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 notes, smoky spicy salami, and a graham cracker buttery note. $11.50
Chateau Blouin Bordeaux 2009
The spectacular quality of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage is on full display here, proving once again that the cheapest wines often have the most to gain in top vintages. With layered fresh herb aromatics, deep cassis fruit, excellent concentration and gently gripping tannins on the finish, this rises well above its humble price. $9.99
Vinha Real Vinho Verde 2010
As bracing and invigorating as a slap of aftershave, this Portuguese summertime white is brand new to Pdx. Refreshing as always, this dazzles with a tangerine zestiness and mild spritz while offering a bit more plumpness than many others. Looking deceptively like a bottle of Grey Goose vodka, this has much less alcohol than that, making it a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. $8.50
Evodia Old Vine Garnacha 2009
The clear winner among the Spanish Garnacha flight we sampled, this offered the best of all worlds, everything in its proper place. With both red and black fruit, dusty wild herb notes and a silky mouthfeel with the mildest of tannins, this seemed a much more complete wine that some one-note versions. Moderately restrained and elegantly styled, this tastes like the label looks. $9.99
Corvidae Rook Cab/Merlot/Syrah 08
That's right! A steal of a deal on this popular NW red as the winery (Owen Roe really) said "move it" to make way for the new vintage. Big and juicy, the grapey berry fruit slides across the palate while shades of smoky oak and cocoa linger on the sidelines. A multi-purpose crowd-pleaser par excellence, this is an easy choice for parties, BBQs, weddings and the like. Maybe a whole case just for yourself. Regularly $15, now only $8.99.
Massamier la Mignarde Rosé 2010
From the Minervois region of southwestern France, this is predominantly Cinsault, the favored varietal for southern French rosé due to its bright acidity, aromatic lift and ability to convey flavor without weight. Just as it should be, this is pretty and lively with roundly-textured strawberry and watermelon fruit, finishing dry and stony. $10.99
Pazo Serantellos Albarino 2010
The little wedge of northwestern Spain sitting atop Portugal is home to the appellation Rias Baixas and its famous white varietal Albarino. A wonderful accompaniment to the fresh fish caught nearby along the Galician coast, Albarino is dry and crisp, often delivering a brisk saline note. This bottling captures those flavors at a great price: medium-bodied and fresh, it offers a hint of guava and peach fruitiness before turning decidedly dry on the salted biscuit finish. $9.99
Merum Monastrell 2006
Tasting more like a Bandol or French mourvèdre than a fruitified Jumilla Monastrell, this is lightly smoky, dusty and subdued with medium-weight high-toned black raspberry fruit, earthy black olive notes and a long spicy finish. $9.99
Brancott Pinot Noir 2007
At a recent New Zealand earthquake charity tasting, we were all reminded how nicely different Kiwi Pinot can be. Commonly offering the fruitiness of American Pinot Noir paired with an earthiness reminiscent of Burgundy, they taste like Pinot but have their own distinct personality. The Brancott is typical NZ with a carpet of plush concentrated kirsch and framboise flavors balanced by a spicy black tea gamy note. Pretty up front yet beefy on the finish, it's a nice change of pace, especially for the price. $10.99
Les Perles Viognier 2010
A pleasantly plump and fragrant white perfect for when your palate wants a break from all those "refreshingly crisp and dry" whites that dominate summer drinking. Peachy and grapey, fleshy and sassy, this delivers a floral mouthful of fruit backed by enough vibrant acidity to hold it all together. $9.50
Gougenheim Bonarda-Syrah 2008
The Gougmeister has pulled another delicious rabbit out his wine hat. Full-bodied and velvety, the ripe marionberry and dark plummy fruit has accents of white pepper and grilled meaty notes, flavors that stretch across the palate before turning chewier on the finish. $9.99
Indaba Chenin Blanc 2010
A bargain slurper version of South Africa's signature white, this is clean and pure with succulent tropical fruit and nectarine balanced by fresh limey notes on the finish. $9.50
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El Chaparral Grenache 2008
A close-out deal shaves several bucks off this meaty old-vine Spanish red giving it excellent bang-for-the-buck credentials. Powerfully-styled, this has firm black cherry fruit and a swirl of spicy cigar-box cedary earthy notes followed by a tangy kiss on the finish. A big wine for $10.99
Archangelo Negroamaro 2010
We chose his Primitivo for the November case, forgetting that we had pre-ordered this months ago, but no worries: it's just as good but the flavor profile is quite different. Medium-weight fresh and relatively polished, this shows more black tea, brown spice and earthy notes than the Primitivo, flavors that are balanced by tangy macerated raspberry fruit. $9.99
Masi Modello 2008
A producer of killer Amarone, Masi also makes this inexpensive red perfect for washing down a pizza or two and keeping those holiday guests lightly buzzed without breaking the bank. Offering traditional Valpolicella flavors in a lighter mood, the dark cherry and tangy berry fruit accented by light cinnamon notes make for a happy holiday quaffer. $7.99
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 10
We were pleasantly surprised at how tasty this was and how it was true to its varietal without having taken too many trips to the veggie bar. Showing good depth and body, there is a core of dusty wild blackberry that is smooth and barely plush while notes of peppery savory herb and chewing tobacco lurk in the background. $9.99
Lafleur de Haute-Serre Cahors 2008
This wine is full of surprises; not only is it a great buy (regular price is $18), it's really classy, which is not a term often used to describe this southern French appellation at any price. Although true to type, there is an elegance and sense of restraint to its brooding dark fruit and wet earth aromatics. 100% Malbec. $11.99
Virgile Costieres de Nimes Blanc 2010
This was a nice find, a pleasantly plump winter white that gives your palate something to ruminate on while your mind is otherwise engaged with holiday mayhem. A blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, the white peach and ripe melon/canteloupe fruit is floral and mildly spicy and the texture succulent and intriguingly waxy. $8.99
Zellina Pinot Bianco 2010
Offering a bit more mouth-feel and flavor than their zesty Grigio, this has lightly spiced Asian pear and crisp green apple fruit. A tasty fresh white option when you're looking for something clean and lively but want it to have some punch (like a fist, not a bowl of fruit juice). $8.99
Corsini Matot 2010
The "young one" returns! A popular blend of Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo from Piedmont, the new vintage is fresh and juicy with grapey violet aromatics and a concentrated blackberry coulis persona. Smoothly textured yet firm just below the surface with mild spicy licorice notes on the finish. $10.99
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2010
Despite being stricken by the southern hemisphere's penchant for animal labels, this tastes more like it hails from the Rhone. (I guess the winemaker and marketing team should discuss desired identity). Both deep and open-knit, the aromatics are all purple flowers and brambly spice while the palate offers saturated red fruit with a slightly gamy edge. $9.99
Ponga Sauvignon Blanc 2010
With a name like Ponga and a fluorescent orange label, you can guess what's coming next right? Yes, zippy and zesty to be sure but this new arrival boasts decent fleshiness and even a flinty bite on the finish adding interest to the lime and nectarine spark of flavors. Wintertime palate fatigue? A glass of this will change that. $9.99
Compass Cabernet Sauvignon 09
A small Sonoma winery is behind this innocuous-looking California label and the quality is higher than expected for the price. A stylish Cabernet that isn't overblown, this is medium-bodied and balanced with high-toned red cassis and darker plum fruit mixed with lots of spicy oak notes. $9.99
+ & + Cava Brut NV
In our blind taste-off we were down to this: a zippy citrusy racehorse of a sparkler and its stylistic opposite, a boisterous mouthful of caramel and cognac. Both had its fans but as we re-tasted, Señor Boisterous started to fall apart like a fancy-looking toy that breaks the first time you play with it, while this one kept getting better and better. From a family estate that specializes in Cava, you can tell that care went into its making, even at this price. A blend of the traditional Spanish varietals used for sparkling (Parellada, Xarello, and Macabeo), this offers a refinement more often found in more expensive bubblies without sacrificing flavor pizzazz. Creamy and balanced, with fresh lime and nectarine notes and a sweet-tart playfulness, this is classy fizz for the dough. $9.99
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