Melini Chianti Borghi d'Elsa 2010

Cheap Chiantis tend to be either raw and practically undrinkable or extremely bland. To be fair, this one falls into neither of these categories. Allowed to breathe for a couple of hours, it's a pleasant enough wine, with up front tannins that may taste strange to the American palate. With the attached instant rebate coupon it's available for $4.99, so if you're looking for a cheap quaff, this is it.

*Conde de Siruela Crianza 2006

The most glamorous and, by far , most expensive, Spanish wine is the Vega Sicilia. This Ribera del Duero is grown not too far from where that originates, in the Valladolid area. While, obviously, not on the same level, it's neverthelees a very superior wine. Austere, reserved, but still with a delightful combination of plum and black cherry, with cedarwood elements it has a delightful balance. Considering that it sells for roughly 1% of what a Vega Sicilia would set you back, it's a stupendous bargain at $11.99. Stock up!

Campo Viejo Crianza 2008

With the attached instant rebate, this red Rioja is now selling at $5.99. A nice, substantial wine, which can't be beat at the price. Buy whatever you can find.

Vina Antigua Torrontes/Uni Blanc 2010

This Argentine white blend is fragrant; a fruit forward, yet sufficiently acidic blend of ripe pear and melon with a pleasing, buttery finih. $9.99.

*Buil & Gine Toro 2005

B & G is a Catalan winemaker who has expanded his production to Toro in the province of Zamora. This is a big, powerful red, with dark berry, plum, chocolate and vanilla elements and just the right amount of acidity at the finish. In its prime, and a fantastic bargain at $10.99. By all means get it if there's any left at this price.

Gestos Malbec 2011

This Argentine red from the celebrated Finca Flichman is one of their midlle level products. It's made from grapes grown at two different elevations, i.e at at 2,200 and 3,600 ft. It has a combination of red berry and plum flavors, with a noticeable spicy element in the finish. $7.99.

*Chateau Haut Lavigne 2007

For those of you to whom these are important consiferations, this is an organically grown wine, by a woman wine grower. A Cote de Dours by designation, it comes from thr region og Limoges, where the influence of Bordeaux is strongly felt. It's a Suvignon Blanc/Semillon blend with elements of white melon and citrus, with a fairly strong mineral element. This vintage seems to be slightly over the hill, but still drinkable. Certainly cheap at $5.99.

*Lagar de Cervera Albarino 2008

This Galician white from the Rios Baixas is a complex wine, with citrus, apple and pear flavors, with an underlying note of cinnamon. It's generally regarded as one of the best medium priced wines of its kind in the region. Perhaps just a little past its best, but not much. A bargain at $8.99.

Auntsfield Chardonnay 2008

Once again, a previously reviewed wine is being remaindered at a risible price, i.e. $5.99. In fact, this New Zealand white from the Marlborough Valley is much closer to its original incarnation than the bottle that I wrote about before. It's crisp, light, and has a pleasing citrus element at the finish. Evidently at this point it's hit or miss, but at this price level it's certainly worth taking a chance.

*Chateau Soucherie Anjou Blanc 2007

This white Loire, previously reviewed here and given a mixed, although more favorable than not, review here is now being remaindered at the ridiculously low price of $5.99. If you like a fruit forward, rich, almost creamy white, this is certainly something you should pick up.

Chateau de Triniac Latour de France 2007

This red blend from Roussillon in the foothills of the French Pyrennees is a pleasant mix of red cherry and plum, with a discernible element of chocolate and a nice, dry finish. It probably won't keep very much longer, so drink it now. $10.95.

*Chateau de Monluc Gros Masteng 2008

With the reservations previously expressed, I still recommend this Full bodied, fruit forward Gascon white, and it's now being offered at $5.99, which makes it a real bargain.

*Jorge Ordonez Botani Blanco Moscatel 2008

This Andalucian white is a powerful blend of pome and citrus flavors. In spite of its age, it's still at the heighth of its powers. A superior quaff, and a great bargain at $7.99. I'd stock up on this one.

*Domaine Castera Jurancon 2008

Made from the Manseng variety(95% Gros, 5% Petit), this white from SW France has a strong element of ripe pear, with some apple at the finish. Although it styles itself "sec" on the label, it's not precisely that, at least not in this incarnation. Agreeable enough to drink, just don't expect something bone dry. The closeout price of $5.99 makes it very attractive.

*Vega Sindoa Chardonnay 2009

Again, we differ. Nancy liked this Navarre Chardonnay in the Burgundian style, with notes of green apple and citrus, and a very dry character. I thought that it had gone a little flat. $5.95.

*Domaine Berthollier Chignin 2007

Here is a white from Savoie that is still perfectly alright in spite of its age. Fresh, light, with green apple elements, it's a nice wine to drink either by itself or with fish or white meat dishes. A genuine bargain at $4.99.

*Abadia de Gomariz Ribeira Tinto 2007

As a general observation, I've found the reds in this on-line-only sale to be a much better bet than the whites, which have turned out to be hit or miss insofar as being over the hill goes. This Galician blend of four local grapes, grown in the province of Ourense, is no exception to this rule. It's a very pleasing blend of wild cherry and plum, with a subtext of caramel and licorice, and very nice, soft tannins in the finish. Still at the top of its powers and a tremendous bargain at $7.99.

*Domaine Giachino Abymes 2008

The whites of Savoie, in the French Alpine region, are at their best when young. This one is somewhat over the hill. It still has the characteristic lightly bubbly element, but, instead of the tart apple and citrus tastes one would expect, an element of sweetness has replaced these. In this state more suitable as a dessert wine. Reduced to $5.99.

*Chateau Capion IC 2008

This Languedoc white, previously reviewed here in July, is now being remaidered at $5.99, three dollars under the previous price. If you liked it, this is the time to get it.

Buil & Gine Barboix Montsant 2006

This Catalan red blend of five different grapes is a big wine, with subtle raspberry and cherry flavors and a smoky/coffee/licorice finish. Aged in oak barrels for a year, and then in the bottle, it needs at least an hour to breathe, preferably two, but then rewards you with a superior, intense experience. A great bargain at $10.99.

*Jules GMC 2007

I have a genuine fondness for Gascon whites, they tend to be crisp and highly profiled, with a distinct herbal note. While this one is not typical of the breed, being much more fruit forward, it's nevertheless a very enjoyable light summer wine, and at $4.99, one can't complain about the price.

*Domaine des Hautes Ouches Sauvignon 2007

Here's a white Loire that, in spite of its age, is still perfectly alright. Fresh tasting, with a mix of apple and tangerine. a nice summer wine and a real bargain at $4.99.

*Lawson' Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2007

If you'll forgive me the pun, Nancy thought that this New Zealand white was over the hill. My take was, well maybe just, but still rather pleasant, if not altogether dry. $6.99.