fresh

floral

2006 Kanu Chenin Blanc, $7.99

Made way down in Sellenbosch, South Africa, this is what a summertime white wine is all about. Very light bodied wine, but it don't let that fool you, theres enough fresh lime-y acidity in here for three bottles of wine.

A GREAT porch wine, the dry, crisp flavors will also go nicely with salads, light soups and "berreld shrimps." This is one wine in this box that you'll come back for more.

2006 Cline Viognier, $9.99

Viognier is a beautifully aromatic, white grape variety indigenous to the Rhone valley of France, though this one is from Cali - and its just delicious. Packed with superrich aromatics and flavors of apricot, honey and vanilla. You'd think the wine would be sweet, but the flavors are a bit spicy, the wine is dry and creamy and the finish is really brisk with refreshing acidity.

A Perfect alternative to Chardonnay.

supple

jammy

2006 Cave de Lugny Chardonnay, $10.99

Not all Chardonnay is created equally, and especially not when these folks in Southern Burgundy are figuring things out in a hurry. For years we thought this was a pleasant, if boring, everyday Chardonnay. Not any more. We don't know what happened over there across the pond, but lately this little beauty has been showing all the finesse, character, balance and supple structure of its Big Time Chardonnay brethren in Burgundy. Cheers.

2006 Castillo di Almansa Garnacha, $8.99

A Spanish Grenache that gets it right. Full of just great, soft jammy flavors all wrapped up by a soft, lush Grenache finish.

If you aren't familiar with Grenache, think of the softness of Pinot Noir with the earth and intensity of Syrah. Grenache is a very good everyday wine because of its slugability factor. Enjoy this gem with food from the grill, or in a glass just by itself.

bright

lush

2006 Dashwood Pinot Noir, $17.99

This young Pinot from New Zealand is like drinking a big purple velvety curtain. Really ripe Pinot flavors, but very bright, clean crisp finish that makes Pinot Noir such a pleasure to drink.

They claim its made in a French style (extended cold soak maceration, blah, blah, blah) but all we know is that this Pinot Noir tells you flat out it is 100% Kiwi (the Island, not the fruit). There's just too much bright fruit here to argue otherwise, and that's why we dig it. Dig it?

2005 Hare's Chase Red Blend, $14.99

Start describing this wine and you come up with words like lush, rich, dense, concentrated.

The wine is a concoction of Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo from the Barossa Valley down under. Lighter in style than a big, chewey Aussie Shiraz, the wine still says "G'day Mate" without punching you in the face. We love this wine with grilled meats, roasted pork tenderloins and hearty foods.