Le Paradis Chinon 2010

Most Loire reds tend to be what might be called fruit backward. This wine, a cooperative effort from a local grower and a New Zealand vinifier, is an attempt to depart from that category. The result is a nicely rounded blend of rapberry anD soft tannins. $9.99.

Genesis Viognier 2008

One more domestic white that's on sale because of its age, this Washington State white is distinguished by a pungent, flowery aroma and a nicely measured combination of ripe peach and melon flavors, with a brisk, tart finish. Drink it now, a good buy at $8.99.

X Winery Chardonnay 2010

As California Chardonnays in this price range go this is a reasonably restrained, not overly oaked Chardonnay, with a nice element of ripe pear and a citrus finish. Very decently priced at S8.99.

Dry Creek Chenin Blanc 2009

This California white is a real sleeper. It's not about flinty acidity, as many Chenin Blancs are, but rather a well rounded element of ripe melon and tangerine, with just enough acidity to make it interesting. It's near the end of its useful life and that's why it's on sale at $6.99, which is lower than you can find it anywhere else.

Ducca di Roccabianca Chianti 2010

This is a medium bodied Chianti, and while it's not in a class with a Classico or a Rufino (very few chiantis stemming from outside those two regions are) it's pleasant enough, fruit forward, mostly plum, and a fair degree of acidity and soft tannins. $9.99.

Vega Murillo Tinta de Toro 2008

This Spanish red, a blend of four different grapes, comes from Toro in the region of Zamora, the town that boasts twenty three Romanesque churches. It's not a subtle wine, but rather hearty and straightforward, with elements of cherry, red berry, and a caramel finish. Very favorably priced at $7.99, by all means get it.

McWilliam's Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Like the Shiraz from the same winery this Australian red is very distinctly fruit forward, but not unpleasantly so. The dominant elements are cranberry and red cherry. At $6.99 it's priced right.

Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2011

This is the entry level white from this Chilean winery and it's very nice indeed for such a young wine. It combines peach, citrus and newly mown grass elements in a way reminiscent of the New Zealands and, with the two dollar instant refund coupon, is a good buy at $9.99.

Cecchi Bonizio San Giovese 2009

This red comes from the Maremma, in the southern part of Tuscany. It has subdued red berry and cherry flavors and soft tannins but is rather on the simplistic side. Overpriced at $9.99.

Torres Vina Esmeralda 2010

Yesterday we drank a bottle of the '10. This was better balanced than the '09, not as fruit forward. While I'm uncertain how it would go with fish, it made a nice contrast for my somewhat too heroic chile. Also the price has been reduced to $7.99, which makes it an attractive buy.

*Dom Verdier Logel Cuvee des Gourmets Cotes des Forez 2010

Gamay is the grape that this upper Loire red is made from. It has a strong, forward sour cherry taste with a slightly acidic finish. Certainly an unusual wine and an excellent buy at 6.99.

*Domaine Talmard Macon-Chardonnay 2009

Coming from the village in southern Burgundy that lent its name to the Chardonnay grape, this unoaked white has a nice blend of apple and flinty mineral. A really pleasing wine, once it opens up. Attractively priced at $7.99.

*Domaine Grosbot Barbara Le Vin d'Alon 2009

This is a very typical St Pourcain white: flinty, lemony like a Loire, (it comes from the uppermost reaches of the river) but with rather more spice to it. Probably near the end of its usful life but a very nice drink now. Very nicely priced at $7.99.

*Domaine Grosbot Barbara Chambre d'Edouard 2008

There's an old saying, the best is the enemy of the good. While we liked this medium bodied red from St Pourcain in northernmost Auvergne, we did'nt like it as much as the Bridgman we drank the night before. While it has a nice enough red cherry quality, along with a tart finish, it tasted somehow uneven. The area is much better known for its whites and I can understand why. $7.99.