Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2008

I am not, as a rule, a big fan of Sauvignon Blancs. They tend to congregate at the ends of the spectrum, being either bland or excessively fruity. The New Zealands are an exception to the rule, however, and this is a nice wine. It comes on with a breathtaking intensity of light fruit flavors, has an alluring nose and, if it doesn't last on the palate as long as some of its brothers from smaller vineyards, can't be said to disappear instantly. It went beautifully with broiled salmon fillets, which can easily overpower a white. The PA price ($12.99) though is is decidedly an overreach (N.J. $10.99). So much for "mass purchasing power".

Don David Tannat Reserve 2004

This organically produced Argentine red is almost on a level with that vineyard's ( now in Austrian hands ) Torrontes. It exhibits a subtle but pleasing nose and a lovely, balanced blend of dark fruit and oak and lasts well on the tongue. It complimented roast pork wonderfully. It is presently being remaindered in select stores in PA for a truly ludicrous $4.99. If you find any, buy all you can.

Alamos Torrontes 2007

The Torrontes grape has been brought into full form in Argentina. This white, while not quite on a level with the Don David, is nevertheless a superior product. It greets the palate with an almost explosive burst of white fruit, tempered with just the right degree of acidity. My only complaint is that the finish is not as long lasting as one would wish it to be. Ideal as an accompaniment to shell fish, although we had it with veal cutlets and it worked just fine. $11.99 in PA, which strikes me as being on the high side (On sale in NJ at $7.99)..

Carlos Basso Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Let's be clear about one thing: This Argentinian from the Mendoza valley is no great shakes. It has all of the aloofness of the Sauvignon Blanc without the characteristic edge. Having said that, however, I would like to add that it is a very pleasant, utterly drinkable little wine, with a nicely delineated fresh fruit character. If you are'nt looking for a notable tasting experience but merely want a white to go along with an everyday meal at a reasonable price, it will do very nicely. And, at the present sale price of $4.99, it can't be beat. There is utter plonk that sells for more than that in PA.

Valdubon 2006

Spain's Ribera del Duero, stretching westward from Valladolid to the Portuguese border, produces many fine reds, including the fabled Vega Sicilia. This, however, is by no means among the foremost examples of the region's products, lacking the full bodied presence that characterizes the best of them. What we have here is a nice enough, unpretentious wine, with noticeable dark fruit accents and a strong tannin content. The rather strong acidic aftertaste makes it a good accompaniment to assertive red meats such as steak. $9.99.

Don David Torrontes Reserve 2006

This Argentinian white, grown at mile high altitude, is a marvelous wine. The nose promises a rich but subtly blended mixture of fruits and the wine more than makes good on that promise. The finish is strong and lasting, with every sip one regrets that one is that much nearer the end of the bottle. Now the bad news: On the PLCB web site it lists for $21.19, which would put it well outside the parameters I have set for myself. However, we bought this bottle at a PA closeout sale for $8.99. If you come across any of it at that price, buy all there is of it without giving the matter a second thought.

Norton Malbec 2006

This Argentinian Malbec is a medium bodied wine in which the tannins seem to prevail over the red fruit notes. It is thus very dry and slightly acidic in the finish. It will do well with such assertive dishes as barbecued ribs but was not quite subtle enough for our veal goulash. The price, $8.99 in PA, is on the high side for what you're getting (NJ $6.99).