Mixed Sampler Special
One bottle of each regularly $132-
Now just $ 99

Cousino Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reserva 2009 $14.99  We see a lot of California Cabernet leaving our shelves that cost two times as much that are not half the wine. The vineyard that the fruit comes from was planted in 1932 or about the time that Hoover’s presidency ended. A really elegantly styled Cabernet that is laced with spice and a hint of tobacco leaf. Lots of good curranty fruit make this a real winner.

Conde Villar Vinho Verde 2010 $9.99  Now this is Vinho Verde! It’s the real stuff even if they package it in a brown bottle.  Blessed to us from the famous Loureiro grape, the Conde Villar is a brilliant example of this wine. Though many Portugese whites have favored the Alvarinho this wine sticks to tradition. Bright and lively with a terrific floral note, it is delicious on its own or as a complement to mixed greens.

Domaine Mignan Grenache-Sirah 2011 $9.99  There seems to be a bevy of new appellations in France these days and the Cotes du Brian is one.  Essentially a wine from the Minervois the Mignan is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. The wine is accorded no time in wood. This is a somewhat juicy bottle that is chock full of cassis fruit and a little violet on the nose.

Bodegas Castano Monastrell Rose 2011 $11.99  It takes some real guts to include a rose’ in the mix but right is right. This rose’ is a little heartier than most and is the real deal with pork dishes. Tinged with black cherry this wine is a terrific showcase for the dry style. This is D-R-Y. Did you hear me? Just because it’s pink don’t make it sweet.

Fabrini Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2010 $9.99  This is another fresh Italian white that will make your spring and summer drinking more pleasurable. It’s a delicate white with nice floral notes and a streak of minerality. If you’ve got a fish in the tank it’s time to drag it out.

Bodegas Tilia Torrontes 2010 $9.99  Torrontes seems to be catching on. Once tasted, most drinkers fancy the bright and perfumey(?) nature. Torrontes has sometime been likened to Albarino but aside from the body they are easy to distinguish. This example is very floral with some tropical notes and freshness like laundered sheets.

Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2010 $9.99  If you live in an area where shellfish are prized (you do) then this is a great compliment. Full of citrus flavors so you won’t have to put lemon in your butter.

Bodegas Tilia Bonarda 2010 $9.99  Known by the Charbono moniker in California, Bonarda has identified itself with Argentina, though to a much lesser extent than Malbec. This is a real thirst slaker of a red. It possesses excellent fruit with earthy undertones and a slight hint of tobacco.

Crème de Lys Chardonnay 2010 $9.99  Wasn’t this in the last best buy selection? You bet. It was a massive hit so we brought it back for an encore. This is a creamy-textured Chardonnay that exhibits a splash of oak. Thankfully, intelligence has won out the day with this wine as the winemaker has added a dollop of Viognier and Roussanne to the mix. This brightens up the personality a bunch and takes what could be a dull and uninteresting wine to another level.

Lamadrid Malbec Reserva 2009 $14.99  There are a bevy of innocuous Malbecs out there so thanks be to the folks at Lamadrid for producing this outstanding value. This possesses outrageous blueberry aromas and flavors and a long, full finish. A truly great bargain.

Domaine de la Petite Cassagne 2009 $9.99  A delicious, straight-forward wine that is imbued with a silky texture. It’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan and guaranteed to produce smiles all around.

Vinos de Arganza Lagar de Robla Mencia 2008 $9.99  Although we tout the Garnacha based wines of Spain more often, this wine from the Bierzo D.O. in Castilla Leon deserves much praise and kudos. Bursting with blue and blackberry fruit it is a real winner with all kinds of skewered meats.