Villa Marchesi Pinot Grigio 2009

Pinot Grigio enthusiasts will find this Friuli wine highly atypical. Instead of the dry, flinty elements they might expect, it offers up a soft blend of pear and peach, with very little acidity. If such is to your taste, you'll probably like it quite a lot and, for once, the PA price of $9.99 is at the low end of the market.

Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2008

While the other wines with this label that we've sampled from the Chilean Concha Y Toro megacombine have been, if unremarkable, drinkable, this Chardonnay is a real disapointment. It has neither the mineral flintiness associated with the French variety, nor the buttery fruitiness characteristic of the California exemplars. It is thin, dull, with an acidic, slightly bitter finish. Not worth even the sale price of $7.99.

Helfrich Now&Zen 2008

This Alsatian white, a blend of five different grape varieties, which locally goes by the name of Edelzwicker, is surely a front runner in the silly name derby but otherwise is fairly unremarkable. It manages, at one and the same time, to be both slightly sweet and citrusy. $7.99, but those of you living near to a Trader Joe should be aware that this chain frequently features it as a loss leader for half that price.

Aric 2004

This red blend from Corbieres in SW France is quite untypical, coming across with a strong fruitiness reminiscent of a good Californian. That is, however tempered by a chocolate/caramel element and a hint of licorice in the finish that gives it a sophisticated character. A really good wine and an outstanding bargain at the sale price of $7.99, but drink it now, it's pretty nearly at the end of its life.

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2009

This Chilean is without question a Sauvignon Blanc, with the citrus and grassy elements of the breed. It's somewhat tart on the tongue which recommends it as a companion to blander foods, such as the roast chicken we paired it with. A good value at the sale price of $7.99.

Terrazas Malbec 2008

Yet another Malbec from Argentina's Mendoza Valley. The vineyard is above 3,000 feet which makes for a long, intense growing season, but somehow this wine doesn't quite make it for me. There is the expected mix of fruit, in this case plum, and chocolate, but the tannins are a little too harsh. $.9.99.

Colores del Sol Malbec 2009

Argentina's Mendoza Valley produces any number of pleasing Malbecs and this one is no exception. IOt exhibits dark cherry and the typical chocolate notes and has a very even finish. $9.99, available for two dollars less in many places.